Orangeburg County, South Carolina
The most common soil here is Noboco, on about 7% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Goldsboro and Rains come next.
About 46% of the land drains well, and 40% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 40% of it.
USDA rates 86% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 59% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 15% 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 Orangeburg 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Orangeburg 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goldsboro sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 55K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Noboco loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fuquay sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rains sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Atlantic Coast Flatwoods | 40K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coxville sandy loam | 37K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonneau sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Johnston sandy loam | 34K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lynchburg fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 34K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mouzon fine sandy loam | 32K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Troup sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes, Southern Coastal Plain | 30K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lumbee loamy sand, frequently flooded | 22K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Neeses loamy sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 16K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Bibb sandy loam | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rains sandy loam | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Byars loam | 14K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Noboco loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blanton sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | 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 59% 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 86% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.