Sumter County, South Carolina

Survey Area SC085• South Carolina

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.

Ultisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 54% 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 68% 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.