Clarendon County, South Carolina

Survey Area SC027• South Carolina

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/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 Clarendon 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	56K			Not rated	Not rated
Lynchburg loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	56K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Fuquay fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	50K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Paxville loam	36K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dothan loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Clarendon loamy sand	28K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rains sandy loam	25K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rutlege loamy fine sand	18K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rains sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Atlantic Coast Flatwoods	16K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Persanti very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Troup sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	12K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Portsmouth-Johnston association	11K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cantey loam	10K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Johnston soils	9K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tawcaw soils	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Foreston fine sand	9K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Dothan loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Marlboro loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Scranton fine sand	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Osier loamy fine sand	4K	Poorly drained	A/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.

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

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

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 60% 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. 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.