Gilchrist County, Florida
The most common soil here is Penney, on about 25% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Otela and Ridgewood come next.
About 39% of the land drains well, and 33% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 24% of it.
USDA rates 92% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 25% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 8% 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 Gilchrist 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 Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Gilchrist 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 25% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 92% 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.