Ben Hill and Irwin Counties, Georgia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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.