Calhoun County, South Carolina

Survey Area SC017 South Carolina

The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Calhoun County, South Carolina. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map UnitAcresDrainageHydro GroupDwellingsSeptic
Ailey-Vaucluse complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes 28K Well drainedBSomewhat limitedVery limited
Troup coarse sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes 28K Somewhat excessively drainedANot limitedSomewhat limited
Fuquay sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes 21K Well drainedBSomewhat limitedVery limited
Orangeburg loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes 15K Well drainedBNot limitedSomewhat limited
Faceville fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes 11K Well drainedBNot limitedSomewhat limited
Dothan loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes 10K Well drainedBSomewhat limitedVery limited
Ailey sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes 8K Well drainedBNot limitedVery limited
Water 8K Not ratedNot rated
Totness loamy coarse sand, frequently flooded 7K Poorly drainedA/DVery limitedVery limited
Alpin sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes, Southern Coastal Plain 7K Excessively drainedANot limitedVery limited
Ailey-Vaucluse complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes 7K Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Ailey sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes 6K Well drainedBNot limitedVery limited
Rains sandy loam 6K Poorly drainedB/DVery limitedVery limited
Johnston fine sandy loam, frequently flooded 6K Very poorly drainedA/DVery limitedVery limited
Congaree loam, occasionally flooded 6K Moderately well drainedCVery limitedVery limited
Dothan loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes 6K Well drainedBSomewhat limitedVery limited
Alpin sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes, Carolina and Georgia Sandhills 6K Excessively drainedANot limitedVery limited
Lucy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes 5K Well drainedANot limitedVery limited
Goldsboro loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes 5K Moderately well drainedCVery limitedVery limited
Troup coarse sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes 4K Somewhat excessively drainedANot limitedSomewhat 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.

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 67% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

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.

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