Beaufort County, South Carolina
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Beaufort County, South Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bohicket association | 100K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 71K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Capers association | 38K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wando fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Seabrook fine sand | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bladen fine sandy loam | 20K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coosaw loamy fine sand | 20K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosedhu fine sand | 13K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Williman loamy fine sand | 13K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seewee fine sand | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ridgeland fine sand | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wahee fine sandy loam | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Polawana loamy fine sand | 8K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leon fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fripp-Baratari complex | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Santee fine sandy loam | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deloss fine sandy loam | 6K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tomotley loamy fine sand | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nemours fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Murad fine sand | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 74% 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.