Baker County, Florida
The most common soil here is Mascotte, on about 21% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Pamlico and Pelham come next.
About under 1% of the land drains well, and 98% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 97% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 98% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Baker County, Florida, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Baker County, Florida. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mascotte fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 74K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pantego-Pamlico, loamy substratum, complex, depressional | 67K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pelham fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 47K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sapelo fine sand | 28K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pamlico muck, loamy substratum, depressional | 25K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leon sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 23K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mascotte-Pamlico complex, loamy substratum, ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Olustee-Pelham complex | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ocilla fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Surrency-Mulat complex, frequently flooded | 8K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pottsburg sand | 7K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leefield fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Albany fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osier fine sand, frequently flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plummer fine sand | 4K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dasher mucky peat, ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boulogne sand | 4K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leon-Evergreen complex, depressional | 3K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pottsburg sand, high | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 2K | Not rated | Not rated |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 98% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 99% 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.