Allendale County, South Carolina
The most common soil here is Bonneau, on about 12% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Blanton and Uchee come next.
About 48% of the land drains well, and 35% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 37% of it.
USDA rates 78% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 39% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 11% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Allendale County, South Carolina, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Allendale County, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blanton sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Norfolk loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rains loamy fine sand | 18K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonneau fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tawcaw-Chastain complex, frequently flooded | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emporia loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Uchee sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bonneau fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ogeechee loamy sand | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pickney loamy sand, frequently flooded | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pelham loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ocilla fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldsboro sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pantego loam | 6K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Noboco loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cowarts loamy sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blanton sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cowarts loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 39% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 78% 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.