Union County, South Carolina

Survey Area SC087• 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 Union 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
Madison and Pacolet soils, 15 to 40 percent slopes	58K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Wilkes soils, 15 to 40 percent slopes	48K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cartecay-Toccoa complex	18K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Madison sandy clay loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	17K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Wilkes sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Madison sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded	13K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Madison sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Wehadkee-Chewacla complex	12K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Madison sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Cataula sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cecil sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Enon sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cecil sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Enon sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hiwassee sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Madison sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Cataula sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hiwassee sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Enon sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	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.

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.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 57% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 65% 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.