Gordon County, Georgia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Gordon County, Georgia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montevallo-Townley complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shellbluff silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montevallo very channery loam, 30 to 70 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Townley-Montevallo complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shack-Minvale complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shack-Minvale complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chenneby silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Townley channery silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Docena silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ketona silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, ponded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conasauga silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cataska channery silt loam, 45 to 70 percent slopes, very rocky | 5K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cataska-Junaluska complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Corryton silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cataska-Junaluska complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wax silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Etowah-Docena complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ketona silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Corryton silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Enders-Sunlight complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 78% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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
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.