DeKalb County, Georgia

Survey Area GA089• Georgia

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 DeKalb 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
Cecil-Urban land complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Pacolet-Urban land complex, 10 to 25 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land	22K			Not rated	Not rated
Pacolet sandy loam, 2 to 10 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Cartecay silt loam, frequently flooded	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pacolet sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Pacolet sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Toccoa sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	5K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Ashlar-Wedowee complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ashlar-Wedowee complex, 10 to 25 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Gwinnett sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Madison sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Madison sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Cecil sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Rock outcrop	2K			Not rated	Not rated
Water	2K			Not rated	Not rated
Gwinnett sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Ashlar sandy loam, very rocky, 6 to 15 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Madison sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat 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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 40% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 40% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

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.