Colquitt and Cook Counties, Georgia
The most common soil here is Tifton, on about 26% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Alapaha and Fuquay come next.
About 48% of the land drains well, and 46% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 35% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 46% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 31% 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 Colquitt and Cook 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 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 Colquitt and Cook 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tifton loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 121K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Alapaha loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 95K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leefield loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 43K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osier-Pelham complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 39K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fuquay loamy sand, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Stilson loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tifton loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kershaw sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Carnegie sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tifton sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Irvington loamy sand | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rains fine sandy loam | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bayboro mucky loam | 7K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tifton sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ocilla loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Olustee sand | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cowarts loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Albany sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | 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 46% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 96% 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.