Colleton County Soil Data
Colleton County, South Carolina
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Sand
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
4.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Colleton County, South Carolina
Sandy Entisols of Colleton
Colleton County is home to Entisols, characterized by minimal horizon development and a pH of 5.05. This acidity is slightly greater than the state average but much higher than the national median of 6.5. These soils often represent younger landscapes or areas where sediment is frequently deposited.
Deep Sand and Fast Drainage
At 73.0% sand, the soil texture is officially classified as sand, with very low clay (10.1%) and silt (13.2%). This makes the ground extremely easy to dig but very poor at holding on to water-soluble nutrients. Gardeners must use slow-release fertilizers to ensure plants receive consistent nutrition.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
Colleton stands out with a massive 4.46% organic matter content, more than double the South Carolina state average of 2.05%. Despite this richness, the sandy texture keeps the water capacity at a modest 0.101 in/in. The impressive soil score of 27.5 highlights the high potential of this unique soil.
Overcoming Poor Drainage Issues
Despite being sandy, these soils are classified as poorly drained, likely due to a high water table or flat geography. This creates a paradox where the soil is porous but water has nowhere to go, leading to saturated roots. Careful site selection and raised beds are often necessary for gardening success here.
Zone 8b Growing Power
Hardiness Zone 8b and high organic matter make this an ideal spot for productive vegetable gardens. Native species and moisture-tolerant varieties will thrive in the county's naturally rich, wet sands. It is the perfect environment to grow bountiful harvests with just a little water management.
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
Poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that the soil is wet at or near the surface much of the year. Drainage improvement usually needed.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Colleton County have?
Colleton County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 73% sand, 13% silt, and 10% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Colleton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Colleton County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Colleton County?
Colleton County has a dominant drainage class of "Poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Colleton County's soil?
Based on Colleton County's Sand texture, pH of 5.1, and Poorly drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Colleton County?
Colleton County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Colleton 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.