Ocala National Forest Area, Florida

Survey Area FL609• Florida

The dominant drainage class is Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Ocala National Forest Area, 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
Astatula and Candler sands, 0 to 5 percent slopes	106K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Astatula sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	45K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Astatula sand, fire regime, 0 to 5 percent slopes	44K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Terra Ceia muck, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes	22K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	21K			Not rated	Not rated
Astatula sand, 5 to 12 percent slopes	18K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Astatula and Candler sands, 5 to 12 percent slopes	16K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Immokalee fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	14K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Paola fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	14K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Pomello sand	12K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sellers sand	11K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Astatula sand, fire regime, 5 to 12 percent slopes	11K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Myakka-Myakka, wet, fine sands, 0 to 2 percent slopes	10K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Everglades muck	9K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Paola sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	9K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
St. Johns sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	9K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sellers and Pamlico soils	8K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Astatula and Tavares sands, 0 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Astatula and Candler sands, flora rich, 0 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Delks sand	7K	Poorly drained	A/D	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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Spodosols

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

Histosols

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

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Ultisols

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

Mollisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 22% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 94% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.