Berkeley County, South Carolina
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Berkeley County, South Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 91K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Meggett loam | 72K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldsboro loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 69K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wahee loam | 47K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bethera loam | 42K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Duplin fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 41K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tawcaw association, frequently flooded | 38K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonneau loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rains fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 31K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Craven loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 29K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pantego fine sandy loam | 25K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lynchburg fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chipley-Echaw complex | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bayboro loam | 23K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lenoir fine sandy loam | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meggett clay loam | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonneau loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ocilla loamy fine sand | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pickney loamy fine sand | 15K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bohicket association | 14K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 79% 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 86% 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.