Horry County, South Carolina

Survey Area SC051• South Carolina

The dominant drainage class is Poorly 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 Horry 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
Johnston loam	51K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Woodington fine sandy loam	43K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Yauhannah fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	40K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pocomoke fine sandy loam	39K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kenansville fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	37K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ogeechee loamy fine sand	37K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Leon fine sand	36K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Meggett loam	35K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nansemond loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	34K	Moderately well drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bladen fine sandy loam	34K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Goldsboro loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	32K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Eulonia loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	30K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Yonges fine sandy loam	30K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lynn Haven sand	23K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Centenary fine sand	21K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Rutlege loamy sand	20K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Echaw sand	20K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Yemassee loamy fine sand	16K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hobonny muck	16K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lakeland sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	16K	Excessively drained	A	Not 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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

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 87% 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 100% 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.