Gordon County, Georgia

Survey Area GA129• Georgia

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Gordon 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
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

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.

Alfisols

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

Inceptisols

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

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.