Top Banner
In cooperation with the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Experiment Stations, and Soil and Water Science Department, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service
449

Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida - USDA ... unstable to be used as a foundation for buildings or roads. Clayey or wet soils are ... Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida.

May 09, 2018

Download

Documents

hakhue
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
  • In cooperation withthe University of Florida,Institute of Food andAgricultural Sciences,Agricultural ExperimentStations, and Soil andWater Science Department,and the Florida Departmentof Agriculture andConsumer Services

    Soil Survey ofSuwanneeCounty,Florida

    United StatesDepartment ofAgriculture

    NaturalResourcesConservationService

  • Detailed Soil Maps

    The detailed soil maps can be useful in planning the use and management of smallareas.

    To find information about your area of interest, locate that area on the Index to MapSheets. Note the number of the map sheet and turn to that sheet.

    Locate your area of interest on the map sheet. Note the map unit symbols that are inthat area. Turn to the Contents, which lists the map units by symbol and name andshows the page where each map unit is described.

    The Contents shows which table has data on a specific land use for each detailedsoil map unit. Also see the Contents for sections of this publication that may addressyour specific needs.

    i

    How To Use This Soil Survey

  • Additional information about the Nations natural resources is available onlinefrom the Natural Resources Conservation Service at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov.

    ii

    This soil survey is a publication of the National Cooperative Soil Survey, a joint effortof the United States Department of Agriculture and other Federal agencies, Stateagencies including the Agricultural Experiment Stations, and local agencies. TheNatural Resources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) hasleadership for the Federal part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey.

    Major fieldwork for this soil survey was completed in 2002. Soil names anddescriptions were approved in 2003. Unless otherwise indicated, statements in thispublication refer to conditions in the survey area in 2002. This survey was madecooperatively by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the University ofFlorida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Experiment Stations,and Soil and Water Science Department, and the Florida Department of Agriculture andConsumer Services.

    The survey is part of the technical assistance furnished to the Suwannee County Soiland Water Conservation District. The Suwannee County Board of Commissionerscontributed financially to the acceleration of this survey. Additional assistance wasprovided by the Florida Department of Transportation.

    Soil maps in this survey may be copied without permission. Enlargement of thesemaps, however, could cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping. If enlarged,maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at alarger scale.

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all itsprograms and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, andwhere applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexualorientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of anindividuals income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibitedbases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means forcommunication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) shouldcontact USDAs TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaintof discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 IndependenceAvenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202)720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

    Cover: The Suwannee River, which forms the boundary between Suwannee and Madison Counties.Bigbee-Garcon-Meggett complex, occasionally flooded, is the dominant map unit along the river.

    http://www.nrcs.usda.gov

  • iii

    How To Use This Soil Survey ....................................................................................... iForeword ..................................................................................................................... ixGeneral Nature of the County ...................................................................................... 1

    Climate ..................................................................................................................... 1History and Development ........................................................................................ 3Farming .................................................................................................................... 3Recreation ............................................................................................................... 4

    How This Survey Was Made ........................................................................................ 4Ground-Penetrating Radar ...................................................................................... 5

    Detailed Soil Map Units ............................................................................................. 72Ocilla-Albany-Blanton complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes ...................................... 84Blanton fine sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes .......................................................... 105Blanton-Bonneau complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes ........................................... 127Bigbee-Garcon-Meggett complex, occasionally flooded.................................. 1410Blanton-Alpin complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded ............. 1611Bonneau-Blanton-Padlock complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes ........................... 1812Blanton-Chiefland-Ichetucknee complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes .................... 2013Blanton-Alpin-Bonneau complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes ................................ 2214Blanton-Bonneau complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes ......................................... 2415Blanton-Lynchburg-Bonneau complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes ....................... 2617Falmouth-Bonneau-Blanton complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes ......................... 2818Otela-Chiefland-Ichetucknee complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes ....................... 3019Chiefland fine sand, occasionally flooded...................................................... 3320Chiefland-Pedro Variant complex, occasionally flooded ................................ 3421Alaga loamy fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes ................................................ 3522Blanton-Padlock-Alpin complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes .................................. 3625Pantego fine sandy loam................................................................................ 3926Hurricane, Albany, and Chipley soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes .......................... 4029Alpin fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes ............................................................ 4230Alpin fine sand, 5 to 12 percent slopes .......................................................... 4332Leon fine sand ............................................................................................... 4434Falmouth-Bonneau-Blanton complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes ......................... 4535Mascotte-Sapelo complex .............................................................................. 4838Alpin fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded ......................... 4939Sapelo-Mascotte-Albany complex, frequently flooded ................................... 5041Fluvaquents-Meggett-Bigbee complex, frequently flooded ............................ 5343Blanton-Foxworth-Alpin complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes ................................ 5545Chipley-Foxworth-Albany complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes ............................. 5746Pamlico-Olustee-Pottsburg complex, depressional ....................................... 5947Clara and Meadowbrook soils, frequently flooded ......................................... 6149Sapelo-Mascotte-Plummer complex .............................................................. 6351Plummer fine sand ......................................................................................... 6552Plummer fine sand, depressional .................................................................. 66

    Contents

  • iv

    54Plummer muck, depressional ......................................................................... 6759Troup fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes ........................................................... 6860Troup fine sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes ........................................................... 6961Udorthents-Pits complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes ............................................ 7065Garcon-Eunola complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded .......... 7168Mascotte and Plummer soils, occasionally flooded ....................................... 7369Osier-Bibb-Albany complex, frequently flooded ............................................. 7571Otela-Alpin-Chiefland complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes ................................... 7772Ousley-Blanton-Fluvaquents complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes,

    occasionally flooded ........................................................................................ 7973Boulogne-Chipley-Hurricane complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes ........................ 8174Surrency, Plummer, and Cantey soils, frequently flooded ............................. 8376Wampee-Blanton complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes ....................................... 8577Wampee-Blanton complex, 12 to 35 percent slopes ..................................... 8779Blanton fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes ........................................................ 8880Bonneau fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes ..................................................... 8981Blanton-Bonneau-Ichetucknee complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes .................... 9083Urban land...................................................................................................... 9386Aquents, frequently flooded ........................................................................... 93

    Use and Management of the Soils .......................................................................... 95Interpretive Ratings ............................................................................................... 95

    Rating Class Terms ........................................................................................... 95Numerical Ratings ............................................................................................. 95

    Crops and Pasture ................................................................................................. 96Yields per Acre .................................................................................................. 99Land Capability Classification ........................................................................... 99

    Ecological Communities ...................................................................................... 100Forestland Productivity and Management ........................................................... 102

    Forestland Productivity .................................................................................... 102Forestland Management ................................................................................. 103

    Recreation ........................................................................................................... 106Wildlife Habitat ..................................................................................................... 107Hydric Soils .......................................................................................................... 109Engineering ......................................................................................................... 110

    Building Site Development .............................................................................. 111Sanitary Facilities ............................................................................................ 113Construction Materials .................................................................................... 115Water Management ......................................................................................... 116

    Soil Properties ........................................................................................................ 119Engineering Properties ........................................................................................ 119Physical Soil Properties ....................................................................................... 120Chemical Soil Properties ..................................................................................... 122Soil Features ........................................................................................................ 123

  • v

    Water Features .................................................................................................... 123Physical, Chemical, and Mineralogical Analyses of Selected Soils .................... 125

    Physical Analyses ........................................................................................... 125Chemical Analyses .......................................................................................... 127Mineralogical Analyses.................................................................................... 129

    Classification of the Soils ..................................................................................... 131Soil Series and Their Morphology ............................................................................ 131

    Alaga Series ........................................................................................................ 132Albany Series....................................................................................................... 133Alpin Series.......................................................................................................... 134Aquents ................................................................................................................ 137Bibb Series .......................................................................................................... 138Bigbee Series ...................................................................................................... 139Blanton Series ..................................................................................................... 140Bonneau Series ................................................................................................... 142Boulogne Series .................................................................................................. 144Cantey Series ...................................................................................................... 145Chiefland Series .................................................................................................. 147Chipley Series...................................................................................................... 148Clara Series ......................................................................................................... 149Eunola Series ...................................................................................................... 150Falmouth Series ................................................................................................... 152Fluvaquents ......................................................................................................... 154Foxworth Series ................................................................................................... 156Garcon Series ...................................................................................................... 157Hurricane Series .................................................................................................. 158Ichetucknee Series .............................................................................................. 160Leon Series ......................................................................................................... 161Lynchburg Series ................................................................................................. 162Mascotte Series ................................................................................................... 164Meadowbrook Series ........................................................................................... 166Meggett Series .................................................................................................... 167Ocilla Series ........................................................................................................ 168Olustee Series ..................................................................................................... 170Osier Series ......................................................................................................... 171Otela Series ......................................................................................................... 172Ousley Series ...................................................................................................... 174Padlock Series ..................................................................................................... 175Pamlico Series ..................................................................................................... 177Pantego Series .................................................................................................... 178Pedro Variant Series ............................................................................................ 179Plummer Series ................................................................................................... 180Pottsburg Series .................................................................................................. 182

  • vi

    Sapelo Series ...................................................................................................... 183Surrency Series ................................................................................................... 186Troup Series......................................................................................................... 187Wampee Series ................................................................................................... 188

    Formation of the Soils ........................................................................................... 191Factors of Soil Formation ..................................................................................... 191

    Parent Material ................................................................................................ 191Climate ............................................................................................................ 191Plants and Animals .......................................................................................... 192Relief ............................................................................................................... 192Time................................................................................................................. 193

    Process of Horizon Differentiation ....................................................................... 193Geology ............................................................................................................... 194

    Geomorphology ............................................................................................... 195Stratigraphy ..................................................................................................... 198Ground Water .................................................................................................. 200Mineral Resources .......................................................................................... 201

    References .............................................................................................................. 203Glossary .................................................................................................................. 205Tables ...................................................................................................................... 217

    Table 1.Temperature and Precipitation ............................................................ 218Table 2.Freeze Dates in Spring and Fall .......................................................... 219Table 3.Acreage and Proportionate Extent of the Soils ................................... 220Table 4.Land Capability and Yields per Acre of Crops and Pasture ................ 221Table 5.Forestland Management and Productivity ........................................... 225Table 6.Hazard of Erosion and Suitability for Roads on Forestland................. 242Table 7.Forestland Site Preparation ................................................................. 250Table 8.Haul Roads, Log Landings, and Soil Rutting on Forestland................ 255Table 9.Camp Areas, Picnic Areas, and Playgrounds...................................... 264Table 10.Paths, Trails, and Golf Fairways ......................................................... 275Table 11.Wildlife Habitat ................................................................................... 284Table 12.Dwellings and Small Commercial Buildings ...................................... 290Table 13.Roads and Streets, Shallow Excavations, and Lawns and

    Landscaping .................................................................................................. 299Table 14.Sewage Disposal ............................................................................... 310Table 15.Landfills ............................................................................................. 320Table 16.Source of Gravel and Sand ............................................................... 331Table 17.Source of Reclamation Material, Roadfill, and Topsoil ...................... 339Table 18.Ponds and Embankments ................................................................. 353Table 19.Engineering Properties ...................................................................... 364Table 20.Physical Soil Properties ..................................................................... 388Table 21.Chemical Soil Properties ................................................................... 401Table 22.Soil Features ..................................................................................... 411

  • vii

    Table 23.Water Features .................................................................................. 416Table 24.Physical Analyses of Selected Soils .................................................. 430Table 25.Chemical Analyses of Selected Soils ................................................ 432Table 26.Mineralogical Analyses of Selected Soils .......................................... 434Table 27.Taxonomic Classification of the Soils ................................................ 435

    Issued 2006

  • ix

    This soil survey contains information that affects land use planning in this surveyarea. It contains predictions of soil behavior for selected land uses. The survey alsohighlights soil limitations, improvements needed to overcome the limitations, and theimpact of selected land uses on the environment.

    This soil survey is designed for many different users. Farmers, ranchers, foresters,and agronomists can use it to evaluate the potential of the soil and the managementneeded for maximum food and fiber production. Planners, community officials,engineers, developers, builders, and home buyers can use the survey to plan landuse, select sites for construction, and identify special practices needed to ensureproper performance. Conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists inrecreation, wildlife management, waste disposal, and pollution control can use thesurvey to help them understand, protect, and enhance the environment.

    Various land use regulations of Federal, State, and local governments may imposespecial restrictions on land use or land treatment. The information in this report isintended to identify soil properties that are used in making various land use or landtreatment decisions. Statements made in this report are intended to help the landusers identify and reduce the effects of soil limitations on various land uses. Thelandowner or user is responsible for identifying and complying with existing laws andregulations.

    Great differences in soil properties can occur within short distances. Some soilsare seasonally wet or subject to flooding. Some are shallow to bedrock. Some are toounstable to be used as a foundation for buildings or roads. Clayey or wet soils arepoorly suited to use as septic tank absorption fields. A high water table makes a soilpoorly suited to basements or underground installations.

    These and many other soil properties that affect land use are described in this soilsurvey. The location of each soil is shown on the detailed soil maps. Each soil in thesurvey area is described. Information on specific uses is given for each soil. Help inusing this publication and additional information are available at the local office of theNatural Resources Conservation Service or the Cooperative Extension Service.

    T. Niles GlasgowState ConservationistNatural Resources Conservation Service

    Foreword

  • 1

    By Robert L. Weatherspoon, Natural Resources Conservation Service

    Fieldwork by Eddie Cummings, David Howell, Jeff Allen, Kevin Sullivan,Frank Watts, Kenneth Liudahl, and Alfred Jones, Natural ResourcesConservation Service

    United States Department of Agriculture, Natural ResourcesConservation Service,in cooperation withthe University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,Agricultural Experiment Stations, and Soil and Water ScienceDepartment, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and ConsumerServices

    SUWANNEE COUNTY is in the northern part of Florida (fig. 1). Live Oak, the countyseat, is on U.S. Highway 90 about midway between Tallahassee and Jacksonville. Theboundaries of the county are the Suwannee River on the north, west, and southwest,the Ichetucknee and Santa Fe Rivers on the southeast, and Columbia County on theeast. Suwannee County is approximately 34 miles long and 27 miles wide. It has aland area of 433,280 acres, or about 677 square miles. The principal crops grown inthe county are bright tobacco, watermelons, corn, peanuts, soybeans, small grains,and a few vegetables. Tobacco is the main cash crop. Livestock and poultry raisingare also major enterprises.

    This soil survey updates the 1965 Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida(USDASCS, 1965).

    General Nature of the CountyThis section gives general information about the climate, history and development,

    farming, and recreation in the county.

    Climate

    Prepared by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Water and Climate Center,Portland, Oregon.

    Table 1 gives data on temperature and precipitation for the survey area asrecorded by the climate station at Live Oak, Florida, in the period 1971 to 2000. Table2 shows probable dates of the first freeze in fall and the last freeze in spring.

    In winter, the average temperature is 60 degrees F and the average daily minimumtemperature is 47 degrees. The lowest temperature on record, which occurred on

    Soil Survey of

    Suwannee County, Florida

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    2

    January 21, 1985, is 6 degrees. In summer, the average temperature is 81.4 degreesand the average daily maximum temperature is 92.6 degrees. The highest recordedtemperature, which occurred on June 6, 1985, is 106 degrees.

    Growing degree days are shown in table 1. They are equivalent to heat units.During the month, growing degree days accumulate by the amount that the averagetemperature each day exceeds a base temperature (50 degrees F). The normalmonthly accumulation is used to schedule single or successive plantings of a cropbetween the last freeze in spring and the first freeze in fall.

    The total annual precipitation is about 52.92 inches. Of this, 40.87 inches, or 77percent, usually falls in April through September. The growing season for most cropsfalls within this period. In 2 years out of 10, the rainfall in April through September isless than 20 inches. The heaviest 1-day rainfall during the period of record was 12.95inches on September 12, 1964. Thunderstorms occur on about 82 days each year,and most occur between mid-May and mid-September.

    The average seasonal snowfall is 0.1 inch. The greatest snow depth at any onetime during the period of record was 2 inches recorded on December 23, 1989. Onaverage, less than 1 day per year has at least 1 inch of snow on the ground. Theheaviest 1-day snowfall on record was 2.0 inches recorded on December 23, 1989.

    The average relative humidity in mid-afternoon is about 45 percent in April andabout 60 percent in August. Humidity is higher at night, and the average at dawn isabout 90 to 95 percent in all months. The sun shines about 63 percent of the timepossible in summer and about 58 percent in winter. The prevailing wind is from thesouth from February to July and from the north or northeast the remainder of theyear. Average wind speed is highest, around 7 to 8 miles per hour, in February andMarch. Thunderstorm days, relative humidity, percent sunshine, and wind informationare estimated from the first order station at Tallahassee, Florida.

    Figure 1.Location of Suwannee County in Florida.

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    3

    History and Development

    By Jim Senterfitt, retired district conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, andchairman of the Suwannee County Soil and Water Conservation District

    Early American Indians occupied the north and north-central parts of Florida. TheTimicuas Tribe lived in a town called Napticua between what is now known asHouston and Live Oak, Florida, from about 750 A.D. until 1839.

    The first encounter between Europeans and Indians in Florida occurred whenHernando Desoto and his explorers clashed with the Timucan Indians. Most of theIndians were taken prisoners. When the tribe rebelled, most of the older tribesmenwere killed and the younger tribesmen were taken as slaves.

    Under the last Spanish occupation of Florida, Reuben and Rebecca Charles wereprobably the first permanent settlers in what is now Suwannee County. In 1824, theterritorial council of Florida granted Reuben a charter to operate a ferry on theSuwannee River at Charles Springs. Reuben and Rebecca acquired about 1,000acres on both sides of the river. They homesteaded as Suwannee Countys firstEuropean settlers. Reuben and Rebecca built a home, an inn, and a trading post onthe high bluff overlooking the Suwannee River where Charles Springs is located.Their homestead was a ferry crossing and stagecoach stop. The stagecoach ran fromSt. Augustine to Tallahassee along the old Spanish trail.

    By 1842, the Seminole wars in North Florida had ended. The end of the warsbrought a new influx of settlers. The population doubled and then tripled. There weretwo towns in the area: Columbus and Houston.

    On December 21, 1858, the legislature signed an act separating SuwanneeCounty from Columbia County. Suwannee County was created with an area of433,280 acres approximately bounded by the Suwannee River on the north, west,and southwest. The south and southeast boundaries are the Ichetucknee and SantaFe Rivers, which flow into the Suwannee River. An imaginary line makes up the eastboundary with Columbia County.

    Houston was the first county seat. Houston consisted of a post office, generalmercantile store, blacksmith, and court house. The county seat was officially movedto Live Oak on August 1, 1868. It was moved because the rising population increasedthe demand for a more centrally located county seat. The county grew due to thecompletion of railroads from Georgia to the Gulf and east and west through Live Oak.

    At one time, timber and naval stores were in great demand because of rapidgrowth in Florida. At this time the Dowling Land and Lumber Company owned a largeacreage in western and southwestern Suwannee County and northern LafayetteCounty. The company harvested, manufactured, and shipped lumber all over Floridaand other parts of the country by rail.

    Later, Richard W. Sears bought about 100,000 acres of cutover timberland, theDowling saw mill, and timber stands. Sears manufactured prefab homes and soldthem on terms, so much down and so much a month. Sears sold land in 20 acreparcels from 1910 through 1965 as the Suwannee Belt Land Company. During thatperiod, he sold around 10,000 parcels of financed land.

    Farming

    Suwannee County supports general farming and tree production. The main cropsare corn, tobacco, soybeans, peanuts, watermelon, small grains, and a fewvegetables. Most of the cropland is in the northern part of the county. Most of the soilsthat are used for crops are deep, droughty, and sandy. Historically, deep plowing andclean cultivation were used in the county. Gully-control structures, grassedwaterways, windbreaks, and permanent vegetative cover are needed to help controlerosion.

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    4

    In 1942, the enactment of legislation to create soil conservation districts stirred theinterest of many landowners in Suwannee County. Since then, the Suwannee CountySoil and Water Conservation District has promoted farming, tree planting, and otherfarming practices. The goal of the District has been to help farmers, public agencies,and other land users solve problems related to soil and water conservation.

    For more information regarding farming in the county, see Crops and Pasture inthe Use and Management section of this publication.

    Recreation

    Suwannee County provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Many ofthese opportunities come from the countys wide-open spaces and favorable weather.Suwannee Music Park and Campground is the most popular recreational site in thecounty. The crystal clear Suwannee River flows southward through the park andattracts thousands of swimmers, divers, canoeists, and other visitors each year.Camping, hiking, picnicking, and observing wildlife are also popular activities at thispark. The rivers in the county provide opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, swimming,diving, and sightseeing. Organized recreational activities are available in and nearLive Oak, where facilities are available for outdoor games, baseball, tennis,racquetball, and basketball. Civic clubs and church groups sponsor many of theseactivities.

    How This Survey Was MadeThis survey was made to provide information about the soils and miscellaneous

    areas in the survey area. The information includes a description of the soils andmiscellaneous areas and their location and a discussion of their suitability, limitations,and management for specified uses. Soil scientists observed the steepness, length,and shape of the slopes; the general pattern of drainage; the kinds of crops andnative plants; and the kinds of bedrock. They dug many holes to study the soil profile,which is the sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil. The profile extends fromthe surface down into the unconsolidated material in which the soil formed. Theunconsolidated material is devoid of roots and other living organisms and has notbeen changed by other biological activity.

    The soils and miscellaneous areas in the survey area are in an orderly pattern thatis related to the geology, landforms, relief, climate, and natural vegetation of the area.Each kind of soil and miscellaneous area is associated with a particular kind oflandform or with a segment of the landform. By observing the soils and miscellaneousareas in the survey area and relating their position to specific segments of thelandform, a soil scientist develops a concept or model of how they were formed. Thus,during mapping, this model enables the soil scientist to predict with a considerabledegree of accuracy the kind of soil or miscellaneous area at a specific location on thelandscape.

    Commonly, individual soils on the landscape merge into one another as theircharacteristics gradually change. To construct an accurate soil map, however, soilscientists must determine the boundaries between the soils. They can observe only alimited number of soil profiles. Nevertheless, these observations, supplemented by anunderstanding of the soil-vegetation-landscape relationship, are sufficient to verifypredictions of the kinds of soil in an area and to determine the boundaries.

    Soil scientists recorded the characteristics of the soil profiles that they studied.They noted soil color, texture, size and shape of soil aggregates, kind and amount ofrock fragments, distribution of plant roots, reaction, and other features that enablethem to identify soils. After describing the soils in the survey area and determiningtheir properties, the soil scientists assigned the soils to taxonomic classes (units).

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    5

    Taxonomic classes are concepts. Each taxonomic class has a set of soilcharacteristics with precisely defined limits. The classes are used as a basis forcomparison to classify soils systematically. Soil taxonomy, the system of taxonomicclassification used in the United States, is based mainly on the kind and character ofsoil properties and the arrangement of horizons within the profile. After the soilscientists classified and named the soils in the survey area, they compared theindividual soils with similar soils in the same taxonomic class in other areas so thatthey could confirm data and assemble additional data based on experience andresearch.

    While a soil survey is in progress, samples of some of the soils in the areagenerally are collected for laboratory analyses and for engineering tests. Soilscientists interpret the data from these analyses and tests as well as the field-observed characteristics and the soil properties to determine the expected behaviorof the soils under different uses. Interpretations for all of the soils are field testedthrough observation of the soils in different uses and under different levels ofmanagement. Some interpretations are modified to fit local conditions, and some newinterpretations are developed to meet local needs. Data are assembled from othersources, such as research information, production records, and field experience ofspecialists. For example, data on crop yields under defined levels of management areassembled from farm records and from field or plot experiments on the same kinds ofsoil.

    Predictions about soil behavior are based not only on soil properties but also onsuch variables as climate and biological activity. Soil conditions are predictable overlong periods of time, but they are not predictable from year to year. For example, soilscientists can predict with a fairly high degree of accuracy that a given soil will have ahigh water table within certain depths in most years, but they cannot predict that ahigh water table will always be at a specific level in the soil on a specific date.

    After soil scientists located and identified the significant natural bodies of soil in thesurvey area, they drew the boundaries of these bodies on aerial photographs andidentified each as a specific map unit. Aerial photographs show trees, buildings,fields, roads, and rivers, all of which help in locating boundaries accurately.

    The descriptions, names, and delineations of the soils in this survey area do notfully agree with those of the soils in adjacent survey areas. Differences are the resultof a better knowledge of soils, modifications in series concepts, or variations in theintensity of mapping or in the extent of the soils in the survey areas.

    Ground-Penetrating Radar

    A ground-penetrating radar (GPR) system was used to document the type andvariability of the soils in the detailed map units. Random transects were made with theGPR and by hand. Radar data, information from notes, and ground-truth observationsmade in the field were used to classify the soils and to determine the composition ofthe map units. The map units described in the section Detailed Soil Map Units arebased on this data.

  • 7

    The map units delineated on the detailed soil maps in this survey represent thesoils or miscellaneous areas in the survey area. The map unit descriptions in thissection, along with the maps, can be used to determine the suitability and potential ofa unit for specific uses. They also can be used to plan the management needed forthose uses.

    A map unit delineation on a soil map represents an area dominated by one ormore major kinds of soil or miscellaneous areas. A map unit is identified and namedaccording to the taxonomic classification of the dominant soils. Within a taxonomicclass there are precisely defined limits for the properties of the soils. On thelandscape, however, the soils are natural phenomena, and they have thecharacteristic variability of all natural phenomena. Thus, the range of some observedproperties may extend beyond the limits defined for a taxonomic class. Areas of soilsof a single taxonomic class rarely, if ever, can be mapped without including areas ofother taxonomic classes. Consequently, every map unit is made up of the soils ormiscellaneous areas for which it is named and some minor components that belongto taxonomic classes other than those of the major soils.

    Most minor soils have properties similar to those of the dominant soil or soils inthe map unit, and thus they do not affect use and management. These are callednoncontrasting, or similar, components. They may or may not be mentioned in aparticular map unit description. Other minor components, however, haveproperties and behavioral characteristics divergent enough to affect use or torequire different management. These are called contrasting, or dissimilar,components. They generally are in small areas and could not be mappedseparately because of the scale used. Some small areas of strongly contrastingsoils or miscellaneous areas are identified by a special symbol on the maps. Thecontrasting components are mentioned in the map unit descriptions. A few areasof minor components may not have been observed, and consequently they are notmentioned in the descriptions, especially where the pattern was so complex that itwas impractical to make enough observations to identify all the soils andmiscellaneous areas on the landscape.

    The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way diminishes theusefulness or accuracy of the data. The objective of mapping is not to delineatepure taxonomic classes but rather to separate the landscape into landforms orlandform segments that have similar use and management requirements. Thedelineation of such segments on the map provides sufficient information for thedevelopment of resource plans. If intensive use of small areas is planned,however, onsite investigation is needed to define and locate the soils andmiscellaneous areas.

    An identifying symbol precedes the map unit name in the map unit descriptions.Each description includes general facts about the unit and gives the principal hazardsand limitations to be considered in planning for specific uses.

    Soils that have profiles that are almost alike make up a soil series. Except fordifferences in texture of the surface layer, all the soils of a series have major horizonsthat are similar in composition, thickness, and arrangement.

    Detailed Soil Map Units

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    8

    Soils of one series can differ in texture of the surface layer, slope, stoniness,salinity, degree of erosion, and other characteristics that affect their use. On the basisof such differences, a soil series is divided into soil phases. Most of the areas shownon the detailed soil maps are phases of soil series. The name of a soil phasecommonly indicates a feature that affects use or management. For example, Alpinfine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes, is a phase of the Alpin series.

    Some map units are made up of two or more major soils or miscellaneous areas.These map units are complexes or undifferentiated groups.

    A complex consists of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas in such an intricatepattern or in such small areas that they cannot be shown separately on the maps.The pattern and proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similarin all areas. Blanton-Foxworth-Alpin complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes, is an example.

    An undifferentiated group is made up of two or more soils or miscellaneous areasthat could be mapped individually but are mapped as one unit because similarinterpretations can be made for use and management. The pattern and proportion ofthe soils or miscellaneous areas in a mapped area are not uniform. An area can bemade up of only one of the major soils or miscellaneous areas, or it can be made upof all of them. Mascotte and Plummer soils, occasionally flooded, is anundifferentiated group in this survey area.

    This survey includes miscellaneous areas. Such areas have little or no soil materialand support little or no vegetation. Udorthents-Pits complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes, isan example.

    Table 3 gives the acreage and proportionate extent of each map unit. Other tablesgive properties of the soils and the limitations, capabilities, and potentials for manyuses. The Glossary defines many of the terms used in describing the soils ormiscellaneous areas.

    2Ocilla-Albany-Blanton complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes

    Map Unit Composition

    Major componentsOcilla and similar soils: 40 percentAlbany and similar soils: 30 percentBlanton and similar soils: 18 percent

    Contrasting inclusionsBonneau soils: 5 percentChipley soils: 4 percentFoxworth soils: 3 percent

    Component DescriptionsOcillaMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Rises on marine terracesParent material: Sandy and loamy marine sedimentsSlope: 0 to 5 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drainedSlowest permeability: ModerateAvailable water capacity: Very lowShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: NonePonding: None

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    9

    Depth to seasonal water saturation: 12 to 30 inchesEcological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 3w

    Surface layer:0 to 3 inches; grayish brown sand

    Subsurface layer:3 to 13 inches; light yellowish brown sand13 to 19 inches; very pale brown sand19 to 24 inches; very pale brown sand that has reddish yellow and white mottles24 to 29 inches; light yellowish brown loamy sand that has brownish yellow and light

    gray mottles

    Subsoil:29 to 34 inches; light yellowish brown fine sandy loam that has brownish yellow and

    light gray mottles34 to 80 inches; light brownish gray sandy clay that has red, yellowish brown, and

    strong brown mottles

    AlbanyMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Ridges on marine terracesParent material: Sandy and loamy marine sedimentsSlope: 0 to 5 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drainedSlowest permeability: Moderately slowAvailable water capacity: Very lowShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 12 to 30 inchesEcological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 3e

    Surface layer:0 to 7 inches; black fine sand

    Subsurface layer:7 to 27 inches; pale yellow fine sand27 to 49 inches; white fine sand that has brownish yellow mottles

    Subsoil:49 to 60 inches; mottled yellowish red, yellowish brown, and light gray sandy loam60 to 80 inches; light gray sandy clay loam that has brownish yellow and reddish

    yellow mottles

    BlantonMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Ridges on marine terracesParent material: Sandy and loamy marine sedimentsSlope: 0 to 5 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Moderately well drainedSlowest permeability: Moderately slowAvailable water capacity: Very low

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    10

    Shrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 42 to 72 inchesEcological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 3s

    Surface layer:0 to 5 inches; dark gray fine sand

    Subsurface layer:5 to 13 inches; light olive brown fine sand13 to 27 inches; light yellowish brown fine sand27 to 36 inches; pale yellow fine sand36 to 41 inches; light gray fine sand

    Subsoil:41 to 48 inches; pale brown sandy loam that has light brownish gray mottles48 to 67 inches; mottled yellowish red, yellowish brown, and light brownish gray

    sandy clay loam67 to 74 inches; gray sandy clay loam that has yellowish brown and light olive brown

    mottles74 to 80 inches; gray sandy clay loam that has red mottles

    Use and ManagementCroplandManagement concerns: Wetness; leaching of nutrients and pesticides; erosion A subsurface drainage system can help to lower the seasonal high water table. Careful selection and application of chemicals and fertilizers can minimize

    contamination of ground water. Grassed waterways can be used in some areas to slow and direct the movement of

    water and to reduce the hazard of erosion. Using a system of conservation tillage and planting cover crops reduce the runoff

    rate and the hazard of erosion. Maintaining a vegetative cover and establishing windbreaks reduce the hazard of

    wind erosion.

    PasturelandManagement concerns: Erosion; wetness Erosion-control measures are needed if pastures are renovated. Excess water should be removed, or species of grasses or legumes that are

    adapted to wet soil conditions should be grown.

    Information regarding forestland, building site development, sanitary facilities, andlocal roads and streets can be found in the tables and in the section Use andManagement of the Soils.

    4Blanton fine sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes

    Map Unit Composition

    Major componentsBlanton and similar soils: 85 percent

    Contrasting inclusionsBonneau soils: 10 percentChipley soils: 5 percent

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    11

    Component Descriptions

    BlantonMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Ridges on marine terracesParent material: Sandy and loamy marine sedimentsSlope: 5 to 8 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Moderately well drainedSlowest permeability: Moderately slowAvailable water capacity: Very lowShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 42 to 72 inchesEcological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 4s

    Surface layer:0 to 5 inches; dark gray fine sand

    Subsurface layer:5 to 13 inches; light olive brown fine sand13 to 27 inches; light yellowish brown fine sand27 to 36 inches; pale yellow fine sand36 to 41 inches; light gray fine sand

    Subsoil:41 to 48 inches; pale brown sandy loam that has light brownish gray mottles48 to 67 inches; mottled yellowish red, yellowish brown, and light brownish gray

    sandy clay loam67 to 74 inches; gray sandy clay loam that has yellowish brown and light olive brown

    mottles74 to 80 inches; gray sandy clay loam that has red mottles

    Use and Management

    CroplandManagement concerns: Leaching of nutrients and pesticides; erosion Careful selection and application of chemicals and fertilizers can minimize

    contamination of ground water. Grassed waterways can be used in some areas to slow and direct the movement of

    water and to reduce the hazard of erosion. Using a system of conservation tillage and planting cover crops reduce the runoff

    rate and the hazard of erosion. Maintaining a vegetative cover and establishing windbreaks reduce the hazard of

    wind erosion.

    PasturelandManagement concerns: Erosion Erosion-control measures are needed if pastures are renovated.

    Information regarding forestland, building site development, sanitary facilities, andlocal roads and streets can be found in the tables and in the section Use andManagement of the Soils.

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    12

    5Blanton-Bonneau complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes

    Map Unit CompositionMajor componentsBlanton and similar soils: 59 percentBonneau and similar soils: 36 percent

    Contrasting inclusionsAlpin soils: 5 percent

    Component DescriptionsBlantonMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Ridges on marine terracesParent material: Sandy and loamy marine sedimentsSlope: 0 to 5 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Moderately well drainedSlowest permeability: Moderately slowAvailable water capacity: Very lowShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 42 to 72 inchesEcological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 3s

    Surface layer:0 to 5 inches; dark gray fine sand

    Subsurface layer:5 to 13 inches; light olive brown fine sand13 to 27 inches; light yellowish brown fine sand27 to 36 inches; pale yellow fine sand36 to 41 inches; light gray fine sand

    Subsoil:41 to 48 inches; pale brown sandy loam that has light brownish gray mottles48 to 67 inches; mottled yellowish red, yellowish brown, and light brownish gray

    sandy clay loam67 to 74 inches; gray sandy clay loam that has yellowish brown and light olive brown

    mottles74 to 80 inches; gray sandy clay loam that has red mottles

    BonneauMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Knolls on marine terracesParent material: Marine sedimentsSlope: 0 to 5 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Well drainedSlowest permeability: ModerateAvailable water capacity: LowShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 42 to 60 inches

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    13

    Ecological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 2s

    Surface layer:0 to 7 inches; grayish brown fine sand

    Subsurface layer:7 to 15 inches; yellowish brown fine sand that has light yellowish brown stripping15 to 27 inches; brownish yellow fine sand

    Subsoil:27 to 36 inches; yellowish brown fine sandy loam36 to 58 inches; mottled grayish brown, yellowish red, very pale brown, pale brown,

    and strong brown sandy clay loam58 to 74 inches; mottled grayish brown, gray, and very pale brown sandy clay loam74 to 80 inches; mottled gray and pink sandy clay loam

    Use and Management

    Cropland (fig. 2)Management concerns: Leaching of nutrients and pesticides; erosion Careful selection and application of chemicals and fertilizers can minimize

    contamination of ground water. Grassed waterways can be used in some areas to slow and direct the movement of

    water and to reduce the hazard of erosion. Using a system of conservation tillage and planting cover crops reduce the runoff

    rate and the hazard of erosion. Maintaining a vegetative cover and establishing windbreaks reduce the hazard of

    wind erosion.

    Figure 2.Watermelons growing in an area of Blanton-Bonneau complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes.This complex is excellent for the production of watermelons.

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    14

    PasturelandManagement concerns: Erosion Erosion-control measures are needed if pastures are renovated.

    Information regarding forestland, building site development, sanitary facilities, andlocal roads and streets can be found in the tables and in the section Use andManagement of the Soils.

    7Bigbee-Garcon-Meggett complex, occasionally flooded

    Map Unit Composition

    Major componentsBigbee and similar soils: 40 percentGarcon and similar soils: 30 percentMeggett and similar soils: 20 percent

    Contrasting inclusionsChipley soils: 5 percentBlanton soils: 5 percent

    Component DescriptionsBigbeeMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Stream terraces on marine terracesParent material: Sandy marine sedimentsSlope: 0 to 2 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Deep (40 to 60 inches)Drainage class: Excessively drainedSlowest permeability: RapidAvailable water capacity: Very lowShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: OccasionalPonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 42 to 72 inchesEcological community: 11Upland Hardwood HammocksNonirrigated land capability classification: 3s

    Surface layer:0 to 9 inches; brown fine sand

    Substratum:9 to 20 inches; yellowish brown fine sand20 to 36 inches; brownish yellow fine sand36 to 55 inches; brown fine sand55 to 80 inches; light gray sand

    GarconMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Rises on marine terracesParent material: Sandy and loamy marine sedimentsSlope: 0 to 2 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drainedSlowest permeability: ModerateAvailable water capacity: Low

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    15

    Shrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: OccasionalPonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: About 18 to 36 inchesEcological community: 11Upland Hardwood HammocksNonirrigated land capability classification: 2w

    Surface layer:0 to 7 inches; dark gray fine sand

    Subsurface layer:7 to 19 inches; brown fine sand19 to 26 inches; very pale brown fine sand

    Subsoil:26 to 40 inches; brownish yellow sandy clay loam that has strong brown and light

    brownish gray mottles40 to 51 inches; light brownish gray sandy loam that has brownish yellow mottles51 to 60 inches; very pale brown loamy fine sand that has brownish yellow mottles

    Substratum:60 to 80 inches; very pale brown fine sand that has light gray mottles

    MeggettMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Depressions on flood plains on marine terracesParent material: Clayey marine and fluvial sedimentsSlope: 0 to 2 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Poorly drainedSlowest permeability: SlowAvailable water capacity: HighShrink-swell potential: HighFlooding: OccasionalPonding: OccasionalDepth to seasonal water saturation: 0 to 12 inchesEcological community: 11Upland Hardwood HammocksNonirrigated land capability classification: 6w

    Surface layer:0 to 4 inches; very dark brown fine sand

    Subsurface layer:4 to 11 inches; light brownish gray fine sand that has brown, pale brown, and grayish

    brown mottles

    Subsoil:11 to 31 inches; light brownish gray sandy clay that has red and strong brown

    mottles31 to 40 inches; mottled yellowish brown and gray sandy clay

    Substratum:40 to 80 inches; light gray sandy clay loam that has brownish yellow mottles

    Use and ManagementCroplandManagement concerns: Wetness; flooding; leaching of nutrients and pesticides A subsurface drainage system can help to lower the seasonal high water table.

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    16

    Measures are needed to protect the soils from scouring and to minimize the crop-residue loss caused by flooding.

    Careful selection and application of chemicals and fertilizers can minimizecontamination of ground water.

    PasturelandManagement concerns: Wetness; flooding A subsurface drainage system can help to lower the seasonal high water table. Forage production can be improved by seeding a grass-legume mixture that is

    tolerant of flooding.

    Information regarding forestland, building site development, sanitary facilities, andlocal roads and streets can be found in the tables and in the section Use andManagement of the Soils.

    10Blanton-Alpin complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes,occasionally flooded

    Map Unit Composition

    Major componentsBlanton and similar soils: 45 percentAlpin and similar soils: 38 percent

    Contrasting inclusionsChipley soils: 7 percentAlbany soils: 5 percentFoxworth soils: 5 percent

    Component DescriptionsBlantonMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Ridges on stream terraces on marine terracesParent material: Sandy and loamy marine sedimentsSlope: 0 to 5 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Moderately well drainedSlowest permeability: Moderately slowAvailable water capacity: Very lowShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: OccasionalPonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 42 to 72 inchesEcological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 3s

    Surface layer:0 to 5 inches; dark gray fine sand

    Subsurface layer:5 to 13 inches; light olive brown fine sand13 to 27 inches; light yellowish brown fine sand27 to 36 inches; pale yellow fine sand36 to 41 inches; light gray fine sand

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    17

    Subsoil:41 to 48 inches; pale brown sandy loam that has light brownish gray mottles48 to 67 inches; mottled yellowish red, yellowish brown, and light brownish gray

    sandy clay loam67 to 74 inches; gray sandy clay loam that has yellowish brown and light olive brown

    mottles74 to 80 inches; gray sandy clay loam that has red mottles

    AlpinMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Ridges on stream terraces on marine terracesParent material: Sandy marine depositsSlope: 0 to 5 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Excessively drainedSlowest permeability: Moderately rapidAvailable water capacity: Very lowShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: OccasionalPonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: More than 6 feetEcological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 4s

    Surface layer:0 to 6 inches; grayish brown fine sand

    Subsurface layer:6 to 20 inches; brown fine sand20 to 44 inches; yellow fine sand that has very pale brown stripping44 to 65 inches; light yellowish brown fine sand that has very dark grayish brown

    mottles

    Subsoil:65 to 80 inches; stratified very pale brown fine sand and yellowish brown loamy fine

    sand

    Use and Management

    CroplandManagement concerns: Erosion; leaching of nutrients and pesticides; flooding Maintaining a vegetative cover and establishing windbreaks reduce the hazard of

    wind erosion. Careful selection and application of chemicals and fertilizers can minimize

    contamination of ground water. Measures are needed to protect the soils from scouring and to minimize the crop-

    residue loss caused by flooding.

    PasturelandManagement concerns: Flooding Forage production can be improved by seeding a grass-legume mixture that is

    tolerant of flooding.

    Information regarding forestland, building site development, sanitary facilities, andlocal roads and streets can be found in the tables and in the section Use andManagement of the Soils.

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    18

    11Bonneau-Blanton-Padlock complex, 0 to 5 percentslopes

    Map Unit Composition

    Major componentsBonneau and similar soils: 40 percentBlanton and similar soils: 30 percentPadlock and similar soils: 20 percent

    Contrasting inclusionsAlpin soils: 5 percentChipley soils: 5 percent

    Component DescriptionsBonneauMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Ridges on marine terracesParent material: Marine sedimentsSlope: 0 to 5 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Well drainedSlowest permeability: ModerateAvailable water capacity: LowShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 42 to 60 inchesEcological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 2s

    Surface layer:0 to 7 inches; grayish brown fine sand

    Subsurface layer:7 to 15 inches; yellowish brown fine sand that has light yellowish brown stripping15 to 27 inches; brownish yellow fine sand

    Subsoil:27 to 36 inches; yellowish brown fine sandy loam36 to 58 inches; mottled grayish brown, yellowish red, very pale brown, pale brown,

    and strong brown sandy clay loam58 to 74 inches; mottled grayish brown, gray, and very pale brown sandy clay loam74 to 80 inches; mottled gray and pink sandy clay loam

    BlantonMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Ridges on marine terracesParent material: Sandy and loamy marine sedimentsSlope: 0 to 5 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Moderately well drainedSlowest permeability: Moderately slowAvailable water capacity: Very lowShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: NonePonding: None

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    19

    Depth to seasonal water saturation: 42 to 72 inchesEcological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 3s

    Surface layer:0 to 5 inches; dark gray fine sand

    Subsurface layer:5 to 13 inches; light olive brown fine sand13 to 27 inches; light yellowish brown fine sand27 to 36 inches; pale yellow fine sand36 to 41 inches; light gray fine sand

    Subsoil:41 to 48 inches; pale brown sandy loam that has light brownish gray mottles48 to 67 inches; mottled yellowish red, yellowish brown, and light brownish gray

    sandy clay loam67 to 74 inches; gray sandy clay loam that has yellowish brown and light olive brown

    mottles74 to 80 inches; gray sandy clay loam that has red mottles

    PadlockMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Knolls on marine terracesParent material: Clayey marine depositsSlope: 2 to 5 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Moderately well drainedSlowest permeability: SlowAvailable water capacity: HighShrink-swell potential: ModerateFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 18 to 36 inchesEcological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 4e

    Surface layer:0 to 5 inches; very dark grayish brown fine sand

    Subsoil:5 to 13 inches; yellowish red sandy clay13 to 17 inches; strong brown sandy clay that has dark yellowish brown and yellowish

    brown mottles17 to 22 inches; dark yellowish brown sandy clay that has yellowish brown and pale

    brown mottles22 to 51 inches; light brownish gray sandy clay that has strong brown, dark brown,

    and light gray mottles51 to 63 inches; light brownish gray sandy clay that has strong brown and dark brown

    mottles63 to 80 inches; light gray sandy clay that has dark brown and strong brown mottles

    Use and ManagementCroplandManagement concerns: Erosion; leaching of nutrients and pesticides Grassed waterways can be used in some areas to slow and direct the movement of

    water and to reduce the hazard of erosion.

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    20

    Using a system of conservation tillage and planting cover crops reduce the runoffrate and the hazard of erosion.

    Maintaining a vegetative cover and establishing windbreaks reduce the hazard ofwind erosion.

    Careful selection and application of chemicals and fertilizers can minimizecontamination of ground water.

    PasturelandManagement concerns: Erosion Erosion-control measures are needed if pastures are renovated.

    Information regarding forestland, building site development, sanitary facilities, andlocal roads and streets can be found in the tables and in the section Use andManagement of the Soils.

    12Blanton-Chiefland-Ichetucknee complex, 5 to 8percent slopes

    Map Unit Composition

    Major componentsBlanton and similar soils: 38 percentChiefland and similar soils: 28 percentIchetucknee and similar soils: 22 percent

    Contrasting inclusionsAlpin soils: 7 percentAlbany soils: 5 percent

    Component DescriptionsBlantonMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Hills on marine terracesParent material: Sandy and loamy marine sedimentsSlope: 5 to 8 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Moderately well drainedSlowest permeability: Moderately slowAvailable water capacity: Very lowShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 42 to 72 inchesEcological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 4s

    Surface layer:0 to 5 inches; dark gray fine sand

    Subsurface layer:5 to 13 inches; light olive brown fine sand13 to 27 inches; light yellowish brown fine sand27 to 36 inches; pale yellow fine sand36 to 41 inches; light gray fine sand

    Subsoil:41 to 48 inches; pale brown sandy loam that has light brownish gray mottles

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    21

    48 to 67 inches; mottled yellowish red, yellowish brown, and light brownish graysandy clay loam

    67 to 74 inches; gray sandy clay loam that has yellowish brown and light olive brownmottles

    74 to 80 inches; gray sandy clay loam that has red mottles

    ChieflandMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Ridges on karst marine terracesParent material: Sandy and loamy marine deposits over limestoneSlope: 5 to 8 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Moderately deep (20 to 40 inches to paralithic bedrock)Drainage class: Moderately well drainedSlowest permeability: ModerateAvailable water capacity: Very lowShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: More than 6 feetEcological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 4s

    Surface layer:0 to 8 inches; brown fine sand

    Subsurface layer:8 to 33 inches; pale brown fine sand that has brownish yellow and brown splotches

    and streaks

    Subsoil:33 to 39 inches; strong brown fine sandy loam

    Substratum:39 to 80 inches; very pale brown, soft limestone bedrock

    IchetuckneeMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Ridges on karst marine terracesParent material: Sandy and clayey marine deposits over limestoneSlope: 5 to 8 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Deep (40 to 60 inches to bedrock)Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drainedSlowest permeability: Very slowAvailable water capacity: HighShrink-swell potential: ModerateFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 18 to 36 inchesEcological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 6e

    Surface layer:0 to 5 inches; gray fine sand

    Subsurface layer:5 to 13 inches; light gray fine sand

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    22

    Subsoil:13 to 39 inches; pale brown clay that has gray, brownish yellow, and red mottles39 to 55 inches; yellowish red clay

    Substratum:55 to 80 inches; very pale brown, soft and hard limestone

    Use and ManagementCroplandManagement concerns: Erosion; leaching of nutrients and pesticides Grassed waterways can be used in some areas to slow and direct the movement of

    water and to reduce the hazard of erosion. Using a system of conservation tillage and planting cover crops reduce the runoff

    rate and the hazard of erosion. Maintaining a vegetative cover and establishing windbreaks reduce the hazard of

    wind erosion. Careful selection and application of chemicals and fertilizers can minimize

    contamination of ground water. Maintaining or increasing the content of organic matter in the soils helps to prevent

    crusting, improves tilth, and increases the rate of water infiltration.

    PasturelandManagement concerns: Erosion Erosion-control measures are needed if pastures are renovated.

    Information regarding forestland, building site development, sanitary facilities, andlocal roads and streets can be found in the tables and in the section Use andManagement of the Soils.

    13Blanton-Alpin-Bonneau complex, 0 to 5 percentslopes

    Map Unit Composition

    Major componentsBlanton and similar soils: 42 percentAlpin and similar soils: 33 percentBonneau and similar soils: 16 percent

    Contrasting inclusionsAlbany soils: 5 percentChipley soils: 4 percent

    Component DescriptionsBlantonMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Ridges on marine terracesParent material: Sandy and loamy marine sedimentsSlope: 0 to 5 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Moderately well drainedSlowest permeability: Moderately slowAvailable water capacity: Very lowShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 42 to 72 inches

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    23

    Ecological community: 11Upland Hardwood HammocksNonirrigated land capability classification: 3s

    Surface layer:0 to 5 inches; dark gray fine sand

    Subsurface layer:5 to 13 inches; light olive brown fine sand13 to 27 inches; light yellowish brown fine sand27 to 36 inches; pale yellow fine sand36 to 41 inches; light gray fine sand

    Subsoil:41 to 48 inches; pale brown sandy loam that has light brownish gray mottles48 to 67 inches; mottled yellowish red, yellowish brown, and light brownish gray

    sandy clay loam67 to 74 inches; gray sandy clay loam that has yellowish brown and light olive brown

    mottles74 to 80 inches; gray sandy clay loam that has red mottles

    AlpinMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Ridges on marine terracesParent material: Sandy marine depositsSlope: 0 to 5 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Excessively drainedSlowest permeability: Moderately rapidAvailable water capacity: Very lowShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: More than 6 feetEcological community: 11Upland Hardwood HammocksNonirrigated land capability classification: 4s

    Surface layer:0 to 6 inches; grayish brown fine sand

    Subsurface layer:6 to 20 inches; brown fine sand20 to 44 inches; yellow fine sand that has very pale brown stripping44 to 65 inches; light yellowish brown fine sand that has very dark grayish brown

    mottles

    Subsoil:65 to 80 inches; stratified very pale brown fine sand and yellowish brown loamy fine

    sand

    BonneauMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Knolls on marine terracesParent material: Marine sedimentsSlope: 0 to 5 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Well drainedSlowest permeability: ModerateAvailable water capacity: Low

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    24

    Shrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 42 to 60 inchesEcological community: 11Upland Hardwood HammocksNonirrigated land capability classification: 2s

    Surface layer:0 to 7 inches; grayish brown fine sand

    Subsurface layer:7 to 15 inches; yellowish brown fine sand that has light yellowish brown stripping15 to 27 inches; brownish yellow fine sand

    Subsoil:27 to 36 inches; yellowish brown fine sandy loam36 to 58 inches; mottled grayish brown, yellowish red, very pale brown, pale brown,

    and strong brown sandy clay loam58 to 74 inches; mottled grayish brown, gray, and very pale brown sandy clay loam74 to 80 inches; mottled gray and pink sandy clay loam

    Use and ManagementCroplandManagement concerns: Erosion; leaching of nutrients and pesticides Grassed waterways can be used in some areas to slow and direct the movement of

    water and to reduce the hazard of erosion. Using a system of conservation tillage and planting cover crops reduce the runoff

    rate and the hazard of erosion. Maintaining a vegetative cover and establishing windbreaks reduce the hazard of

    wind erosion. Careful selection and application of chemicals and fertilizers can minimize

    contamination of ground water. Maintaining or increasing the content of organic matter in the soils helps to prevent

    crusting, improves tilth, and increases the rate of water infiltration.

    PasturelandManagement concerns: Erosion Erosion-control measures are needed if pastures are renovated.

    Information regarding forestland, building site development, sanitary facilities, andlocal roads and streets can be found in the tables and in the section Use andManagement of the Soils.

    14Blanton-Bonneau complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes

    Map Unit Composition

    Major componentsBlanton and similar soils: 51 percentBonneau and similar soils: 37 percent

    Contrasting inclusionsAlpin soils: 7 percentAlbany soils: 5 percent

    Component DescriptionsBlantonMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida Ridge

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    25

    Landform: Ridges on marine terracesParent material: Sandy and loamy marine sedimentsSlope: 5 to 8 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Moderately well drainedSlowest permeability: Moderately slowAvailable water capacity: Very lowShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 42 to 72 inchesEcological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 4s

    Surface layer:0 to 5 inches; dark gray fine sand

    Subsurface layer:5 to 13 inches; light olive brown fine sand13 to 27 inches; light yellowish brown fine sand27 to 36 inches; pale yellow fine sand36 to 41 inches; light gray fine sand

    Subsoil:41 to 48 inches; pale brown sandy loam that has light brownish gray mottles48 to 67 inches; mottled yellowish red, yellowish brown, and light brownish gray

    sandy clay loam67 to 74 inches; gray sandy clay loam that has yellowish brown and light olive brown

    mottles74 to 80 inches; gray sandy clay loam that has red mottles

    BonneauMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Ridges on marine terracesParent material: Marine sedimentsSlope: 5 to 8 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Well drainedSlowest permeability: ModerateAvailable water capacity: LowShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 42 to 60 inchesEcological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 3s

    Surface layer:0 to 7 inches; grayish brown fine sand

    Subsurface layer:7 to 15 inches; yellowish brown fine sand that has light yellowish brown stripping15 to 27 inches; brownish yellow fine sand

    Subsoil:27 to 36 inches; yellowish brown fine sandy loam36 to 58 inches; mottled grayish brown, yellowish red, very pale brown, pale brown,

    and strong brown sandy clay loam

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    26

    58 to 74 inches; mottled grayish brown, gray, and very pale brown sandy clay loam74 to 80 inches; mottled gray and pink sandy clay loam

    Use and ManagementCroplandManagement concerns: Erosion; leaching of nutrients and pesticides Grassed waterways can be used in some areas to slow and direct the movement of

    water and to reduce the hazard of erosion. Using a system of conservation tillage and planting cover crops reduce the runoff

    rate and the hazard of erosion. Maintaining a vegetative cover and establishing windbreaks reduce the hazard of

    wind erosion. Careful selection and application of chemicals and fertilizers can minimize

    contamination of ground water.

    PasturelandManagement concerns: Erosion Erosion-control measures are needed if pastures are renovated.

    Information regarding forestland, building site development, sanitary facilities, andlocal roads and streets can be found in the tables and in the section Use andManagement of the Soils.

    15Blanton-Lynchburg-Bonneau complex, 0 to 5 percentslopes

    Map Unit Composition

    Major componentsBlanton and similar soils: 35 percentLynchburg and similar soils: 30 percentBonneau and similar soils: 28 percent

    Contrasting inclusionsFalmouth soils: 4 percentAlbany soils: 3 percent

    Component DescriptionsBlantonMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Ridges on marine terracesParent material: Sandy and loamy marine sedimentsSlope: 0 to 5 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Moderately well drainedSlowest permeability: Moderately slowAvailable water capacity: Very lowShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 42 to 72 inchesEcological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 3s

    Surface layer:0 to 5 inches; dark gray fine sand

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    27

    Subsurface layer:5 to 13 inches; light olive brown fine sand13 to 27 inches; light yellowish brown fine sand27 to 36 inches; pale yellow fine sand36 to 41 inches; light gray fine sand

    Subsoil:41 to 48 inches; pale brown sandy loam that has light brownish gray mottles48 to 67 inches; mottled yellowish red, yellowish brown, and light brownish gray

    sandy clay loam67 to 74 inches; gray sandy clay loam that has yellowish brown and light olive brown

    mottles74 to 80 inches; gray sandy clay loam that has red mottles

    LynchburgMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Rises on marine terracesParent material: Marine sedimentsSlope: 0 to 2 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drainedSlowest permeability: ModerateAvailable water capacity: ModerateShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 6 to 18 inchesEcological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 2w

    Surface layer:0 to 7 inches; very dark grayish brown loamy fine sand

    Subsurface layer:7 to 9 inches; dark gray loamy fine sand9 to 17 inches; light gray loamy fine sand that has yellowish brown mottles

    Subsoil:17 to 23 inches; pale brown sandy clay loam that has strong brown and light gray

    mottles23 to 61 inches; light brownish gray sandy clay loam that has strong brown mottles61 to 80 inches; mottled light brownish gray, yellowish brown, and light reddish brown

    sandy clay loam

    BonneauMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Knolls on marine terracesParent material: Marine sedimentsSlope: 0 to 5 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Well drainedSlowest permeability: ModerateAvailable water capacity: LowShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 42 to 60 inches

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    28

    Ecological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 2s

    Surface layer:0 to 7 inches; grayish brown fine sand

    Subsurface layer:7 to 15 inches; yellowish brown fine sand that has light yellowish brown stripping15 to 27 inches; brownish yellow fine sand

    Subsoil:27 to 36 inches; yellowish brown fine sandy loam36 to 58 inches; mottled grayish brown, yellowish red, very pale brown, pale brown,

    and strong brown sandy clay loam58 to 74 inches; mottled grayish brown, gray, and very pale brown sandy clay loam74 to 80 inches; mottled gray and pink sandy clay loam

    Use and ManagementCroplandManagement concerns: Wetness; leaching of nutrients and pesticides; erosion A subsurface drainage system can help to lower the seasonal high water table. Maintaining a vegetative cover and establishing windbreaks reduce the hazard of

    wind erosion. Careful selection and application of chemicals and fertilizers can minimize

    contamination of ground water.

    PasturelandManagement concerns: Wetness Excess water should be removed, or species of grasses or legumes that are

    adapted to wet soil conditions should be grown.

    Information regarding forestland, building site development, sanitary facilities, andlocal roads and streets can be found in the tables and in the section Use andManagement of the Soils.

    17Falmouth-Bonneau-Blanton complex, 0 to 5 percentslopes

    Map Unit Composition

    Major componentsFalmouth and similar soils: 36 percentBonneau and similar soils: 30 percentBlanton and similar soils: 22 percent

    Contrasting inclusionsAlpin soils: 7 percentAlbany soils: 5 percent

    Component DescriptionsFalmouthMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Ridges on marine terracesParent material: Clayey marine depositsSlope: 2 to 5 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drainedSlowest permeability: Very slow

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    29

    Available water capacity: HighShrink-swell potential: HighFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 18 to 36 inchesEcological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 4e

    Surface layer:0 to 3 inches; very dark gray fine sand

    Subsurface layer:3 to 10 inches; dark grayish brown fine sand

    Subsoil:10 to 17 inches; yellowish brown sandy clay loam that has yellowish red mottles17 to 30 inches; brown sandy clay that has grayish brown and yellowish red mottles30 to 43 inches; gray sandy clay that has yellowish brown and yellowish red mottles43 to 65 inches; gray sandy clay that has yellowish brown and strong brown mottles

    Substratum:65 to 80 inches; mottled strong brown, gray, yellowish brown, and brown sandy clay

    BonneauMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Knolls on marine terracesParent material: Marine sedimentsSlope: 0 to 5 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Well drainedSlowest permeability: ModerateAvailable water capacity: LowShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 42 to 60 inchesEcological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 2s

    Surface layer:0 to 7 inches; grayish brown fine sand

    Subsurface layer:7 to 15 inches; yellowish brown fine sand that has light yellowish brown stripping15 to 27 inches; brownish yellow fine sand

    Subsoil:27 to 36 inches; yellowish brown fine sandy loam36 to 58 inches; mottled grayish brown, yellowish red, very pale brown, pale brown,

    and strong brown sandy clay loam58 to 74 inches; mottled grayish brown, gray, and very pale brown sandy clay loam74 to 80 inches; mottled gray and pink sandy clay loam

    BlantonMajor Land Resource Area: 138North-Central Florida RidgeLandform: Ridges on marine terracesParent material: Sandy and loamy marine sediments

  • Soil Survey of Suwannee County, Florida

    30

    Slope: 0 to 5 percentDepth to restrictive feature: Very deep (more than 60 inches)Drainage class: Moderately well drainedSlowest permeability: Moderately slowAvailable water capacity: Very lowShrink-swell potential: LowFlooding: NonePonding: NoneDepth to seasonal water saturation: 42 to 72 inchesEcological community: 4Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak HillsNonirrigated land capability classification: 3s

    Surface layer:0 to 5 inches; dark gray fine sand

    Subsurface layer:5 to 13 inches; light olive brown fine sand13 to 27 inches; light yellowish brown fine sand27 to 36 inches; pale yellow fine sand36 to 41 inches; light gray fine sand

    Subsoil:41 to 48 inches; pale brown sandy loam that has light brownish gray mottles48 to 67 inches; mottled yellowish red, yellowish brown, and light brownish gray

    sandy clay loam67 to 74 inches; gray sandy clay loam that has yellowish brown and light olive brown

    mottles74 to 80 inches; gray sandy clay loam that has red mottles

    Use and ManagementCroplandManagement concerns: Erosion Grassed waterways can be used in some areas to slow and direct the movement of

    water and to reduce