Columbia County, Florida

Survey Area FL023• Florida

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Columbia 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	71K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Blanton fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	60K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Surrency fine sand	42K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Olustee fine sand, thick surface	32K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bonneau fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes	32K	Moderately well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Plummer, depressional-Pamlico, loamy substratum complex	28K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sapelo fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	28K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Albany fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	26K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lakeland fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	17K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Alpin fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	17K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Pelham fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	15K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ocilla fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	13K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Plummer fine sand	10K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Plummer fine sand, occasionally flooded	10K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Plummer muck, depressional	9K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pamlico muck, loamy substratum	8K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bonneau-Blanton complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Chipley fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Blanton-Bonneau-Ichetucknee complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Leon fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited

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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 68% 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 92% 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.