Grady County, Georgia
The most common soil here is Tifton, on about 18% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Nankin and Dothan come next.
About 73% of the land drains well, and 22% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 22% of it.
USDA rates 77% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 25% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 19% 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 Grady 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 Grady 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tifton loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Osier and Bibb soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 36K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nankin-Cowarts complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Faceville sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tifton loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bonneau loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pelham loamy fine sand, frequently flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nankin loamy fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Carnegie gravelly sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ocilla loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldsboro loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blanton loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nankin-Cowarts complex, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grady sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently ponded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cowarts-Gritney complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Not limited |
| Norfolk loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lynchburg fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 25% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 77% 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
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.