Elbert, Franklin, and Madison Counties, 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 Elbert, Franklin, and Madison 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 53K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil sandy clay loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 35K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 35K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 32K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison sandy clay loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 32K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Toccoa fine sandy loam | 28K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iredell sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madison sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 20K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Pacolet sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cartecay fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iredell sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gwinnett sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gwinnett sandy clay loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madison sandy clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | 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 30% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 30% 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.