Lowndes County, Georgia
The most common soil here is Tifton, on about 13% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Pelham and Johnston come next.
About 36% of the land drains well, and 56% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 47% of it.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 61% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 26% 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 Lowndes 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 Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Lowndes 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pelham loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 40K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tifton loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Johnston loam | 30K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 30K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Leefield loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mascotte sand | 23K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Albany sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Olustee sand | 19K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fuquay loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Valdosta sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tifton loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bayboro loam | 7K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tifton-Urban land complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Chipley sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myatt-Osier association | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stilson loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ousley loamy fine sand | 5K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarendon loamy sand | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowndes loamy sand, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Somewhat 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 61% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 98% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.