Manatee County, Florida

Survey Area FL081• 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 Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Manatee 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
EauGallie-EauGallie wet, fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	91K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Myakka-Myakka, wet, fine sands, 0 to 2 percent slopes	88K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Waveland fine sand	58K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Waters of the Gulf of America	30K			Not rated	Not rated
Floridana-Immokalee-Okeelanta association	30K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pomello fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	24K	Somewhat poorly drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Delray-Pomona complex	21K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cassia fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	18K	Somewhat poorly drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Felda-Wabasso association, frequently flooded	15K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wabasso-Wabasso, wet, fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	15K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Canova, Anclote, and Okeelanta soils	10K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Duette fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	9K			Not rated	Not rated
Bradenton fine sand, limestone substratum	8K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ona fine sand, orstein substratum	7K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Palmetto sand	7K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
St. Johns fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Floridana fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Delray complex	4K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cassia fine sand, moderately well drained	4K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat 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.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Mollisols

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

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.

Histosols

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

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 88% 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 91% 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.