Richland County, South Carolina
The most common soil here is Nanford, on about 9% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Tawcaw and Lakeland come next.
About 59% of the land drains well, and 23% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 31% of it.
USDA rates 71% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 42% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 19% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 1% of it.
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 Richland 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 Richland 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeland sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 30K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Congaree loam | 27K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nanford silt loam, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Georgeville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tawcaw silty clay loam | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Georgeville silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vaucluse loamy sand, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Johnston loam | 18K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pelion loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nanford silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ailey loamy sand, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fuquay sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Blanton sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pelion-Urban land complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vaucluse loamy sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pelion loamy sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | 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 42% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 71% 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.