Escambia County, Florida
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively 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 Escambia County, Florida.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waters of the Gulf of Mexico | 56K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Troup-Poarch complex, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 49K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dorovan muck and Fluvaquents, frequently flooded | 48K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Troup sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 44K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bonifay loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Notcher fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Notcher fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 17K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Poarch sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bigbee-Garcon-Fluvaquents complex, flooded | 10K | Excessively drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie-Fluvaquents-Bigbee complex, frequently flooded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Croatan and Pickney soils, depressional | 8K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Troup sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pelham-Yemassee complex, occasionally flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Perdido sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Red Bay fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pickney sand | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Troup-Poarch complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Poarch sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Notcher-Maubila complex, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 33% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 69% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.