Sumter County, South Carolina
The most common soil here is Rains, on about 11% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Norfolk and Lynchburg come next.
About 46% of the land drains well, and 44% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 51% of it.
USDA rates 66% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 52% 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.
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 Sumter 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/D (varies with drainage). 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 Sumter 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk-Noboco complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lynchburg-Rains complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 36K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rains-Coxville-Lynchburg complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 36K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wagram-Norfolk-Lucknow complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Goldsboro-Noboco complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tawcaw-Duckbottom-Mullers complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Johnston mucky sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 23K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alaga loamy coarse sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rains sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tawcaw-Shellbluff-Mullers complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Scapo-Mouzon complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 14K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Noboco-Norfolk complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Autryville-Norfolk complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Orangeburg loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Springhill-Lucy-Nankin complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vaucluse-Ailey complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk-Noboco complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Smithboro-Persanti complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Troup-Lucy-Nankin complex, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Somewhat 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 52% 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 66% 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.