Saluda County, South Carolina

Survey Area SC081• 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 Saluda 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
Herndon silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	49K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Alamance silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	26K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Georgeville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded	24K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Georgeville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Herndon silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Toccoa-Chewacla complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	16K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Water	13K			Not rated	Not rated
Efland silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Appling sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Herndon silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Georgeville silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Nanford silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Herndon silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded	5K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Durham sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Nanford silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Orange silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Georgeville silty clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Cecil sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Georgeville silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat 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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 21% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 35% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

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.