Colleton County, South Carolina

Survey Area SC029• South Carolina

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/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 Colleton 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
Lynchburg loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	55K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rains sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Atlantic Coast Flatwoods	50K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Goldsboro loamy fine sand	44K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Argent loam	36K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bladen fine sandy loam	32K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pelham loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	32K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ocilla loamy sand	30K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Paxville fine sandy loam	22K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Santee loam	21K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Coosaw loamy fine sand	20K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Ogeechee loamy fine sand	19K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wahee fine sandy loam	19K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Torhunta-Osier association	18K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bohicket association	18K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pungo muck	17K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bonneau fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	16K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Capers association	15K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hobcaw fine sandy loam	14K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Echaw loamy fine sand	13K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cape Fear loam	12K	Very poorly drained	C/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.

Spodosols

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

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 94% 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 96% 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.