Aiken County Area, South Carolina

Survey Area SC615• South Carolina

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Aiken County Area, South Carolina. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Troup sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes, Carolina and Georgia Sand Hills	112K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Vaucluse-Ailey complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes	103K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lakeland sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	76K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Fuquay sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	55K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Troup sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes, Carolina and Georgia Sand Hills	46K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Lakeland sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes	29K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Johnston mucky loam	25K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dothan loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bibb loamy sand	14K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Vaucluse-Ailey complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fuquay sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Orangeburg loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Chewacla loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Vaucluse loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Shellbluff silty clay loam	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Dothan loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ailey sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Fuquay sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ochlockonee sandy loam	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lucy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

About 69% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.