Sumter National Forest Area, Oconee County, South Carolina
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 National Forest Area, Oconee County, South Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evard fine sandy loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard fine sandy loam, 50 to 80 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneytown fine sandy loam, 50 to 80 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville very fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Walhalla fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville very fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Toccoa fine sandy loam | 2K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneytown fine sandy loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Brevard fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Walhalla fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Edneytown-Saluda association, 50 to 80 percent slopes | 984 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Walhalla fine sandy loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 760 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brevard fine sandy loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 721 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneytown fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 496 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 401 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Edneytown fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 274 | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville very fine sandy loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 155 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville very fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 144 | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 91% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.