Tift County, Georgia
The most common soil here is Tifton, on about 29% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Alapaha and Dothan come next.
About 59% of the land drains well, and 37% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 36% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 39% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 28% 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 Tift 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 Tift 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 | 49K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Alapaha loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 27K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kinston and Osier fine sandy loams | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fuquay loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ocilla loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pelham loamy sand | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cowarts loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Stilson loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tifton-Urban land complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cowarts sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tifton sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Carnegie sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Leefield loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarendon loamy sand | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tifton loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Carnegie sandy loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 2K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ardilla loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rains loamy fine sand | 2K | 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 39% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.