Madison County, Florida
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). 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.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 58% 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 94% 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.