Bamberg County, South Carolina
The most common soil here is Barnwell, on about 8% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Coxville and Bonneau come next.
About 44% of the land drains well, and 42% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 43% of it.
USDA rates 82% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 53% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 12% 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 Bamberg 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 Poorly 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 Bamberg 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnwell loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Coxville fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldsboro loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonneau sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rembert sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grifton-Osier complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Noboco fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blanton sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rains fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uchee sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| McColl loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Troup sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes, Southern Coastal Plain | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Johnston sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alaga coarse sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bonneau sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ocilla sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meggett fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lynchburg fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plummer loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very 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 53% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 82% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.