Montgomery, Toombs, and Wheeler Counties, Georgia
The most common soil here is Tifton, on about 14% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Pelham and Fuquay come next.
About 63% of the land drains well, and 34% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 34% of it.
USDA rates 86% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 35% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 30% 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 Montgomery, Toombs, and Wheeler Counties, 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 Montgomery, Toombs, and Wheeler 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tifton loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 79K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pelham loamy sand | 70K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osier and Bibb soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 65K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland and Troup soils, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 64K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fuquay loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cowarts loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Coxville (Chastain) and Duplin (Tawcaw) soils | 35K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ailey loamy coarse sand, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cowarts loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Carnegie sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 15K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ocilla loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tifton loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Carnegie loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kershaw sand, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ardilla loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wagram and Duplin soils, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wahee soils | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wagram and Troup soils, 8 to 17 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat 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 35% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 86% 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.