Lancaster 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 Lancaster County, South Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chewacla soils | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Herndon silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blanton sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Herndon silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Georgeville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cecil clay loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Georgeville silty clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Herndon silt loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Helena fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tarrus loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Georgeville silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pickens slaty silt loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appling fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tarrus silty clay loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wehadkee and Chewacla soils | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Helena fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wedowee sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gills silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 39% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 59% 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.