Clay and Quitman Counties, Georgia
The most common soil here is Nankin, on about 14% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Cowarts and Lakeland come next.
About 82% of the land drains well, and 9% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 9% of it.
USDA rates 57% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 35% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 7% 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 Clay and Quitman 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 Clay and Quitman 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nankin-Cowarts-Maubila complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nankin-Cowarts complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 20K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kinston and Bibb soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 17K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nankin-Cowarts complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Faceville sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Orangeburg loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cowarts loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Not limited |
| Ailey-Cowarts complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lucy loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bonneau loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Red Bay loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Greenville sandy clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lucy loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Norfolk loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Faceville sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Orangeburg sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ailey loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not 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 35% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 57% 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.