Gadsden County, Florida
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Gadsden County, Florida.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pickney, Dorovan, and Bibb soils, frequently flooded | 43K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Orangeburg-Tifton-Norfolk complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lakeland sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lucy-Orangeburg-Cowarts complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dothan-Fuquay complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bonifay-Alpin complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fuquay-Lucy-Orangeburg complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dothan-Fuquay-Cowarts complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rutlege, Bibb, and Surrency soils, frequently flooded | 9K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Leefield-Bonifay-Dothan complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C/D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Albany-Blanton complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonifay-Fuquay complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lucy-Bonifay-Orangeburg complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cowarts-Dothan-Fuquay complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, reclaimed | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Fuquay-Bonifay complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg-Norfolk complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bonifay-Albany-Centenary complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 35% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 72% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.