Berkeley County, South Carolina

Survey Area SC015• South Carolina

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Berkeley 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
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

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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

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.