Polk 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 Polk County, Florida.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smyrna and Myakka fine sands | 145K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 105K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Candler sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 97K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pomona fine sand | 92K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Samsula muck, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 54K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tavares fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 54K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hontoon muck, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 50K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hydraquents, clayey | 49K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arents-Water complex | 38K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Astatula sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 35K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Arents, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 34K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Immokalee sand | 30K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kaliga muck, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 26K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Neilhurst sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 24K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Basinger fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 23K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Basinger mucky fine sand, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 22K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sparr sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Placid and Myakka fine sands, depressional | 18K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Floridana mucky fine sand, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adamsville fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% 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 88% 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.