Pierce County, Georgia
The most common soil here is Pelham, on about 16% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Leefield and Hazlehurst come next.
About 12% of the land drains well, and 82% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 62% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 86% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 35% 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 Pierce 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 Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). 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 Pierce 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 sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 32K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leefield sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 27K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Robertsdale (Hazlehurst) loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Irvington loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mascotte sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swamp (Johnston) | 15K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Albany sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Portsmouth (Surrency) loam | 11K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rutlege sand | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chipley sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osier soils and alluvial land | 9K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tifton loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tifton loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lumbee fine sandy loam | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kershaw coarse sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fuquay loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Stilson loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dunbar (Wahee) fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Albany loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/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 86% 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 99% 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.