Madison County, Florida
The most common soil here is Blanton, on about 13% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Plummer and Dorovan come next.
About 38% of the land drains well, and 54% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 53% of it.
USDA rates 92% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 56% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% 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 Madison 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 Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). 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 Madison 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dorovan and Pamlico soils, depressional | 80K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blanton sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 66K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Albany sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 42K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plummer and Surrency soils, depressional | 42K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alpin sand | 28K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Plummer sand | 28K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lovett sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sapelo-Sapelo, wet, sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ocilla sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Esto fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nankin loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Surrency, Plummer, and Cantey soils, frequently flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alaga loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lucy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pelham sand | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Troup sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bonifay fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lovett sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Not 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 56% 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 92% 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.