Ben Hill and Irwin Counties, Georgia

Survey Area GA608• Georgia

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Ben Hill and Irwin Counties, Georgia. 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
Alapaha loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	60K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tifton loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes	57K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Plummer sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	33K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Fuquay loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Osier and Bibb soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	25K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tifton loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded	20K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ocilla loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	19K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Troup sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	13K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Cowarts loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	12K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Tifton loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Carnegie sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	11K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Esto loamy coarse sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Leefield loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Water	8K			Not rated	Not rated
Swamp	7K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kershaw coarse sand, 2 to 8 percent slopes	7K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Cowarts loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded	6K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Tifton loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Fuquay loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Stilson loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat 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.

Ultisols

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

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 43% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 88% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

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.