South Carolina Soil Surveys

48 survey areas

South Carolina has 48 USDA soil survey areas covering a wide range of landscapes and soil conditions. The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates, making up roughly 70% of surveyed soils. Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes account for another 10%.

In terms of drainage, 46% of South Carolina soils are classified as well drained. About 32% of soils have some form of poor drainage, which is important to consider for septic systems and foundations. Drainage class affects everything from septic system design to basement feasibility to garden planning. Use the survey area pages below to see drainage details for specific counties, or look up any address for an exact soil profile.

Soil Types

Ultisols

70% of surveyed soils

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

Entisols

10% of surveyed soils

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

Alfisols

8% of surveyed soils

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

6% of surveyed soils

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

Spodosols

2% of surveyed soils

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

Survey Areas

South Carolina Soil Surveys

Soil Types

Survey Areas

Look Up a Specific Address