Barnwell County, South Carolina, Eastern Part
The most common soil here is Wagram, on about 21% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Blanton and Barnwell come next.
About 59% of the land drains well, and 19% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 19% of it.
USDA rates 47% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 20% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% 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 Barnwell County, South Carolina, Eastern Part, 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 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 Barnwell County, South Carolina, Eastern Part. 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 | 48K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wagram sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Wagram sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Johnston soils, frequently flooded | 19K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rembert loam | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnwell loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Barnwell loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Neeses loamy sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Plummer loamy sand | 4K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blanton sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barnwell loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ailey sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Barnwell loamy sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lumbee loamy sand | 2K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ailey sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Barnwell loamy sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nankin loamy sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat 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
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 47% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.