Cherokee County, 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 Cherokee 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gullied land, friable materials, 10 to 35 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison and Cecil sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Riverview loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilkes sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gullied land, firm materials | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tatum silty clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tatum very fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tatum very fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tatum silty clay loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tatum silty clay loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tatum very fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tatum very fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil clay loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wilkes sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appling sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Riverview-Chewacla complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Manteo channery silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 51% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 51% 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.