Alachua County, Florida
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Alachua County, Florida.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pomona sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 57K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arredondo fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Millhopper sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 52K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 44K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Candler fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 25K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sparr fine sand | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Newnan sand | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tavares sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lake fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 18K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wauchula sand | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kendrick sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Monteocha loamy sand | 16K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lochloosa fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonneau fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chipley sand | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jonesville-Cadillac-Bonneau complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lochloosa fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pomona sand, depressional | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pelham sand | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blichton sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 42% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 75% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.