Williamsburg County, South Carolina

Survey Area SC089• South Carolina

The dominant drainage class is Poorly 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 Williamsburg 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
Eunola loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	51K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lynchburg fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	43K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Mouzon and Hobcaw soils, frequently flooded	42K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Yemassee sandy loam	42K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rains fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	37K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ogeechee fine sandy loam	36K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Goldsboro loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	35K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gourdin loam	35K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Coxville loam	33K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Chastain and Tawcaw soils, frequently flooded	29K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Emporia loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hobcaw sandy loam, frequently flooded	21K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Noboco loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Foreston fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	18K	Moderately well drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hornsville sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	17K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wahee sandy loam	16K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Chisolm loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hornsville sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	12K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Emporia loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Paxville fine sandy loam	10K	Very poorly drained	B/D	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.

Inceptisols

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

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 91% 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 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.