Hancock and Taliaferro Counties, Georgia
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Hancock and Taliaferro 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cataula-Cecil complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 45K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cataula-Cecil complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 31K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lloyd gravelly loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 21K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lloyd gravelly loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 18K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Georgeville gravelly very fine sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 18K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hard Labor-Appling complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hard Labor-Appling complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Georgeville gravelly very fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cataula-Shoulderbone complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crawfordville-Sedgefield complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Helena loamy coarse sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vaucluse-Norfolk complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wehadkee loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Prosperity-Helena-Bush River complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil gravelly sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Helena loamy sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fuquay loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Madison sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | 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 23% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 69% 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.