Martin County, Florida
The dominant drainage class is 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 Martin County, Florida.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 87K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Pineda-Riviera fine sands association, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 50K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waveland and Immokalee fine sands | 46K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wabasso sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 34K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riviera fine sand, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 32K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oldsmar fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nettles sand | 15K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Malabar fine sand, high, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lawnwood and Myakka fine sands | 13K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Floridana fine sand, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paola and St. Lucie sands, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pinellas fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winder sand, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chobee muck, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Salerno sand | 6K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Placid and Basinger fine sands, depressional | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cypress Lake fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waveland and Lawnwood fine sands, depressional | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, 0 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gator and Tequesta mucks | 4K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 74% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 77% 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.