Gilchrist County, Florida
The dominant drainage class is 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 Gilchrist County, Florida.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penney fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 51K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Otela-Penney fine sands, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ridgewood fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lynn Haven and Allanton mucky fine sands, depressional | 13K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alpin fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kershaw fine sand, gently rolling | 12K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ortega fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shadeville-Otela fine sands, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Leon fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wesconnett mucky fine sand, depressional | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elloree-Osier-Fluvaquents complex, frequently flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hurricane fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Blanton fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Penney fine sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wadley fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Albany fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonneau-Blanton fine sands, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Pamlico-Dorovan mucks, frequently flooded | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eunola-Bonneau fine sands, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 22% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 93% 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.