Chattahoochee and Marion Counties, Georgia
The most common soil here is Troup, on about 28% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Nankin and Ailey come next.
About 89% of the land drains well, and 7% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 7% of it.
USDA rates 61% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 39% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 10% 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 Chattahoochee and Marion 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Chattahoochee and Marion 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troup loamy sand, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 49K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Troup loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 43K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cowarts and Ailey soils, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bibb sandy loam, frequently flooded | 25K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 22K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nankin sandy clay loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nankin sandy loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Orangeburg loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vaucluse and Ailey soils, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iuka sandy loam, occasionally flooded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cowarts and Ailey soils, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nankin sandy clay loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nankin sandy clay loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nankin sandy clay loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cowarts and Ailey soils, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ailey loamy coarse sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lucy loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cowarts and Ailey soils, 18 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | 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 39% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 61% 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.