Washington and Wilkinson Counties, Georgia
The most common soil here is Orangeburg, on about 16% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Lakeland and Faceville come next.
About 75% of the land drains well, and 21% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 20% of it.
USDA rates 59% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 26% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 17% 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 Washington and Wilkinson 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 Washington and Wilkinson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinston and Bibb soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 78K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 71K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Faceville sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 33K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Orangeburg sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 29K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vaucluse and Ailey loamy sands, 8 to 17 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cowarts-Nankin complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Orangeburg loamy sand, 12 to 17 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fuquay loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cowarts-Nankin complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 25K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chewacla-Congaree association | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 8 to 17 percent slopes | 20K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vaucluse and Ailey loamy sands, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lucy loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chewacla-Chastain association | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tifton loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ailey loamy sand, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Udorthents-Pits complex | 12K | Not rated | Not rated |
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 26% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 59% 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.