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terrace extends into and beyond the northwest corner of the county and reaches elevations of <br />approximately 40 feet above sea level. <br />The topography of the county is depicted in Figure 2.17. Overall, the relatively flat terrain of the <br />county poses few constraints to development as compared to a rough or rugged terrain. The <br />topography is also a key feature in the natural drainage system and must be examined along with <br />other natural features to identify development opportunities and constraints. These potential <br />opportunities and constraints are addressed in the analysis section of this element and examined <br />in the Conservation, Coastal Management, and Infrastructure Elements. <br />Soils <br />Soils can greatly influence the value or development potential of land. On farmland, those soils <br />which are rich in nutrients provide the potential for high crop yields, while other soils require <br />extensive fertilization and treatment. Generally, structures cannot be built on soils with poor load <br />bearing capacity unless costly methods are employed to overcome the problem. Soils can also <br />severely limit the use of sanitary facilities such as septie- tank septic s stems and landfills. While <br />wet soils often cannot accommodate septic tankc s sus, ground water can be polluted in <br />highly permeable soils. Those soils with high water tables may also indicate the existence of a <br />wetland vegetative community. <br />In Indian River County, the United States Soil Conservation Service has identified 58 different <br />soil types. These soils are further classified into thirteen generalized soil types and distributed <br />among five physiographic areas of the county as follows: sand ridges; coastal islands and tidal <br />marshes; flatwoods, low knolls and ridges; sloughs, poorly defined drainage ways and <br />hammocks; and freshwater swamps and marshes. The generalized soil types are depicted in <br />Figure 2.18. <br />The suitability of soils for development is discussed in the analysis section of this element and in <br />greater detail in the Conservation and Coastal Management Elements. <br />Future Land Use Element 46 <br />Attachment 5 <br />282 <br />