Dougherty County, Georgia
The most common soil here is Greenville, on about 17% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Orangeburg and Meggett come next.
About 65% of the land drains well, and 28% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 30% of it.
USDA rates 50% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 32% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 11% 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 Dougherty 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 Dougherty 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orangeburg loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Greenville sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Swamp (Meggett) | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grady soils | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Greenville sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Eustis loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lucy loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tifton sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Red Bay loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Grady clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently ponded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tifton sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lynchburg sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dunbar (Wahee), Izagora, and Bladen soils | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Izagora-Dunbar (Wahee) loamy fine sands | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alluvial land, wet (Herod) | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Bladen loam | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Red Bay loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 32% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 50% 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.