Dorchester County, South Carolina
The most common soil here is Mouzon, on about 12% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Goldsboro and Grifton come next.
About 8% of the land drains well, and 72% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 69% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 86% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 32% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Dorchester County, South Carolina, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Dorchester 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mouzon fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded | 47K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldsboro loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 32K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grifton fine sandy loam, frequently flooded | 24K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rains sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Atlantic Coast Flatwoods | 24K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lynchburg loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookman clay loam, frequently flooded | 22K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Noboco loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Jedburg loam | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osier loamy fine sand, frequently flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Daleville silt loam | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Izagora silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wahee fine sandy loam | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chipley sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Albany fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yemassee fine sandy loam | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pelham sand | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ogeechee fine sandy loam | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonneau fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ocilla sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coosaw loamy fine sand | 6K | Moderately well drained | A | 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 86% 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 95% 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.