Ocala National Forest Area, Florida
The dominant drainage class is Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.