Fairfield County, South Carolina
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Fairfield County, South Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilkes sandy loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 59K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pacolet sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilkes sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cecil sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 24K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Winnsboro sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Georgeville loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wateree-Rion complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toccoa loam | 21K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cataula sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Georgeville loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison sandy clay loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Winnsboro sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rion loamy sand, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winnsboro sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wateree-Rion complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Herndon loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Appling loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 49% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 68% 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.