Abbeville County Soil Data
Abbeville County, South Carolina
Avg pH
5.7
Texture
Sandy loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.1%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Abbeville County, South Carolina
Acidic Alfisols dominate the Abbeville landscape
Abbeville features Alfisol soils with a dominant sandy loam texture and an average pH of 5.68. While this is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, it remains higher than the South Carolina state average of 5.27. These moderately weathered soils provide a stable foundation for the county's varied agricultural uses.
A gritty mix of sand and loam
The soil composition consists of 66.0% sand, 18.8% silt, and 15.2% clay. This high sand content ensures the ground is easy to work and provides excellent aeration for root systems. However, the moderate clay percentage helps the soil retain more nutrients than the state's sandier coastal regions.
Steady water capacity despite lower organic matter
The county's organic matter sits at 1.11%, which is below the state average of 2.05% and the national average of 2.0%. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.133 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.115 in/in. This suggests that Abbeville's soil holds onto moisture effectively during the hot South Carolina summers.
Well-drained land with slow infiltration rates
The soil is classified as well-drained, which prevents waterlogging in most gardening and farming scenarios. It belongs to Hydrologic Group D, indicating a high runoff potential and slow infiltration when the ground is thoroughly wet. Builders and farmers should account for this surface runoff during heavy Piedmont rains.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8a
Abbeville sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, a region perfect for heat-tolerant crops like peaches, okra, and peppers. The sandy loam texture is ideal for root vegetables and orchard fruits if you supplement the soil with organic compost. Start your garden today to take advantage of these well-drained upland soils.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Sandy loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Abbeville County have?
Abbeville County's soil is classified as Sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 66% sand, 19% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Abbeville County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Abbeville County's soil has a pH of 5.7, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Abbeville County?
Abbeville County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Abbeville County's soil?
Based on Abbeville County's Sandy loam texture, pH of 5.7, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Abbeville County?
Abbeville County's dominant soil order is Alfisols. Alfisols are moderate to high base-status soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. They support productive forests and cropland across temperate regions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Abbeville County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in South Carolina
Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.