Decatur County, Georgia
The most common soil here is Blanton, on about 15% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Bonneau and Orangeburg come next.
About 77% of the land drains well, and 12% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 14% of it.
USDA rates 48% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 16% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 8% 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 Decatur County, 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 Decatur County, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blanton loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 73K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bonneau loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lucy loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Orangeburg loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 16K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Tifton loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Osier and Bibb soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 13K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nankin-Cowarts complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pelham loamy fine sand, frequently flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nankin-Cowarts complex, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Troup loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Faceville sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hornsville-Wahee complex 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ocilla loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grady sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently ponded | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nankin loamy fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tifton loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat 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
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 48% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.