Kershaw County Area, South Carolina
The most common soil here is Lakeland, on about 17% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Blanton and Pelion come next.
About 65% of the land drains well, and 13% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 21% of it.
USDA rates 74% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 34% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 12% 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 Kershaw County Area, 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 Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Kershaw County Area, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeland sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 94K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Blanton sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 38K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wagram sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pelion loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alpin sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes, Carolina and Georgia Sandhills | 21K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Johnston loam | 17K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ailey sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Madison sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ailey sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nanford loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldsboro loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Congaree loam | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pantego loam | 9K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madison sandy clay loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Persanti sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Georgeville loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pelion loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes, Carolina and Georgia Sandhills | 6K | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 34% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 74% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.