Cherokee County Soil Data
Cherokee County, South Carolina
Avg pH
5.5
Texture
Coarse sandy loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.0%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Cherokee County, South Carolina
Ultisols of the Upstate
Cherokee County features acidic Ultisols with an average pH of 5.46. While this is slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.27, it remains well below the national median of 6.5. This soil type is characteristic of the Southeast, defined by its highly weathered nature.
Balanced Sandy Loam Mix
The soil is a coarse sandy loam, consisting of 51.5% sand, 29.3% silt, and 18.7% clay. This composition offers a superior balance of drainage and nutrient retention compared to sandier coastal soils. The clay content provides enough structure to hold fertilizers effectively while remaining easy to till.
High Water Capacity, Lower Matter
Organic matter is low at 1.00%, less than half of the state average of 2.05%. However, the available water capacity of 0.144 in/in is significantly higher than the state average of 0.115. This high capacity allows the soil to act as a reliable reservoir for plants during dry spells.
Well-Drained Upstate Ground
The dominant soil is well-drained and falls into Hydrologic Group B, which offers moderate infiltration rates. This makes the land excellent for both agriculture and residential construction. You can expect manageable runoff and minimal saturated conditions in most areas.
Abundance in Zone 8a
Hardiness Zone 8a supports a wide range of fruit trees, including peaches and apples, which benefit from the loamy texture. The soil score of 22.5 indicates solid potential that can be boosted with regular organic amendments. It is a fantastic time to plant a diverse orchard or vegetable patch.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Coarse sandy loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Cherokee County have?
Cherokee County's soil is classified as Coarse sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 52% sand, 29% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cherokee County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cherokee County's soil has a low pH of 5.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Cherokee County?
Cherokee 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 Cherokee County's soil?
Based on Cherokee County's Coarse sandy loam texture, pH of 5.5, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Cherokee County?
Cherokee County's dominant soil order is Ultisols. Ultisols are highly weathered, clay-rich soils common in humid regions. They are low in natural fertility and often require lime and fertilizer for agriculture.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cherokee 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.