Ocala National Forest Area, Florida
The most common soil here is Astatula, on about 44% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Candler and Paola come next.
About 63% of the land drains well, and 27% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 27% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 28% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Ocala National Forest Area, Florida, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 28% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.