Clarendon County Soil Data
Clarendon County, South Carolina
Avg pH
4.7
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Clarendon County, South Carolina
Extra Acidic Lowcountry Soil
Clarendon County features a very low pH of 4.66, making it one of the more acidic regions in the state. This is significantly lower than the South Carolina average of 5.27 and the national median of 6.5. Specialized plants like blueberries thrive in these conditions, though most vegetables will require pH adjustments.
Sandy Texture Dominance
The soil is 72.5% sand, with silt and clay contributing just 14.5% and 10.4% respectively. This high sand content provides excellent aeration for roots but leads to very quick water movement. Soil management should focus on building structure to prevent nutrient leaching during heavy rains.
Rich Organic Matter Content
The county boasts a high organic matter level of 2.92%, which is well above the state average of 2.05%. This richness helps the soil hold an available water capacity of 0.119 in/in. These factors combined earn the county a respectable soil score of 21.3, indicating strong agricultural potential.
Managing Rapid Infiltration
While specific drainage class data is not available, the 72.5% sand content suggests the ground is very permeable. High organic matter helps buffer this drainage, but irrigation planning is still vital for consistent crop yields. Monitoring for quick dry-out periods will save your garden during the summer.
Summer Crops in Zone 8b
In Hardiness Zone 8b, the long summers are perfect for heat-loving crops like okra and watermelon. The high organic matter provides a great head start for any gardener looking to grow a lush backyard oasis. Dig in and take advantage of this naturally rich soil today.
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 Clarendon County have?
Clarendon County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 72% sand, 15% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Clarendon County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Clarendon County's soil has a low pH of 4.7, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Clarendon County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Clarendon County.
What crops or plants grow well in Clarendon County's soil?
Based on Clarendon County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 4.7, 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 Clarendon County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Clarendon County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Clarendon 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.