Berrien and Lanier Counties, Georgia
The most common soil here is Alapaha, on about 18% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Leefield and Pelham come next.
About 23% of the land drains well, and 66% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 50% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 72% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 44% 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 Berrien and Lanier Counties, Georgia, 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 Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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 Berrien and Lanier 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 | 71K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leefield loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 67K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Johnston-Osier-Bibb association | 32K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fuquay loamy sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pelham loamy sand, low terrace | 29K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tifton loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Irvington (Clarendon) loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pelham loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 13K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stilson loamy sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Angie (Wahee) fine sandy loam, frequently flooded | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Olustee sand | 11K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tifton loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Osier-Johnston-Bibb association | 9K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mascotte sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swamp (Johnston) | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rutlege (Ellabelle) loamy sand | 5K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carnegie sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chipley (Ousley) fine sand, frequently flooded | 3K | Moderately well drained | A | 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 72% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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.