Hardee County, Florida

Survey Area FL049• Florida

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Hardee 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
Pomona fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	83K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Smyrna sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	60K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Myakka fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	41K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bradenton-Felda-Chobee association, frequently flooded	41K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Immokalee fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	21K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Zolfo fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	20K	Somewhat poorly drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Ona-Ona, wet, fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	15K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Basinger fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	11K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Floridana mucky fine sand, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes	10K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kaliga muck, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes	9K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Placid fine sand, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes	9K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Felda fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	8K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wauchula fine sand	7K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tavares fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Bradenton loamy fine sand	6K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Felda fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pomello fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Popash mucky fine sand	5K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Farmton fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cassia fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	A	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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.