Gilchrist County, Florida

Survey Area FL041• Florida

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.

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 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.