Bamberg County Soil Data
Bamberg County, South Carolina
Avg pH
5.0
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Bamberg County, South Carolina
Highly acidic coastal plain soils
Bamberg County features an average soil pH of 5.00, placing it among the more acidic regions in South Carolina. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and even falls below the state average of 5.27. While specific taxonomic orders are not listed, the acidity suggests a landscape shaped by coastal weathering.
The grit of the South Carolina sands
The soil is comprised of 78.3% sand, 11.7% silt, and only 8.3% clay. This high sand percentage makes the soil very light and easy to till, though it provides little natural structure. Such a high sand content usually results in rapid drainage and a need for frequent fertilization.
High organic matter meets low water storage
Bamberg's organic matter content is 2.23%, which is higher than both the state average of 2.05% and the national average of 2.0%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is quite low at 0.091 in/in. Plants may struggle to access water quickly in this soil, despite the abundance of organic nutrients.
Navigating unknown drainage patterns
There is no dominant drainage class or hydrologic group listed for Bamberg in this dataset. However, the 78.3% sand content typically indicates that water moves through the profile very quickly. Homeowners should be mindful that while surface water clears fast, the soil may dry out rapidly during summer heat.
Maximizing a Zone 8b garden
The warm climate of Zone 8b offers Bamberg residents a long growing season for heat-loving favorites like peppers and tomatoes. The high organic matter provides a solid foundation, but you will need to monitor moisture closely due to the low water capacity. Adding a layer of mulch is a great way to help this sandy soil keep your plants hydrated.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loamy Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Bamberg County have?
Bamberg County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 78% sand, 12% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Bamberg County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Bamberg County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Bamberg County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Bamberg County.
What crops or plants grow well in Bamberg County's soil?
Based on Bamberg County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 5.0, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Bamberg County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Bamberg County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Bamberg 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.