Suwannee County, Florida
The most common soil here is Alpin, on about 27% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Blanton and Bonneau come next.
About 36% of the land drains well, and 20% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 17% of it.
USDA rates 47% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 21% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% 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 Suwannee County, 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 Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Suwannee County, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blanton-Alpin-Bonneau complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 90K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Alpin fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 77K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bonneau-Blanton-Padlock complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blanton-Bonneau complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 32K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blanton-Foxworth-Alpin complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 28K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Falmouth-Bonneau-Blanton complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Otela-Alpin-Chiefland complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mascotte-Sapelo complex | 13K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blanton-Alpin complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 12K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bigbee-Garcon-Meggett complex, occasionally flooded | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pamlico-Olustee-Pottsburg complex, depressional | 8K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hurricane, Albany, and Chipley soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ocilla-Albany-Blanton complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blanton-Lynchburg-Bonneau Complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Otela-Chiefland-Ichetucknee complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sapelo-Mascotte-Plummer complex | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blanton-Padlock-Alpin complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alpin fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blanton-Bonneau complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Osier-Bibb-Albany complex, frequently flooded | 3K | 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 21% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 47% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
Gardening & Agriculture
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.