Richland County, South Carolina
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 41% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 72% 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.