Darlington County Soil Data
Darlington County, South Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.0
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Darlington County, South Carolina
Acidic Profiles in Darlington
Darlington County's soil has an average pH of 5.04, placing it below the state average of 5.27. Compared to the national median of 6.5, this soil is quite acidic and may require amendments for non-native species. Most local agriculture has adapted to these conditions through careful nutrient management.
High Sand, Low Clay
The soil composition is nearly three-quarters sand at 74.8%, while clay makes up only 8.8%. This texture allows for excellent air circulation for plant roots but results in rapid drainage. Maintaining soil health here requires a focus on adding bulk to help retain moisture.
Rich Organic Content Advantage
The county features a strong organic matter content of 3.00%, significantly outperforming the state average of 2.05%. However, the available water capacity is lower at 0.097 in/in due to the high sand percentage. Even so, a soil score of 22.5 indicates a solid foundation for local farmers.
Managing Water in Sandy Ground
Specific drainage class data is unavailable, but the 74.8% sand content typically indicates very high permeability. Water will move through the soil quickly, which prevents root rot but increases the risk of drought stress. Mulching is a vital strategy here to keep the ground cool and moist.
Thriving Gardens in Zone 8b
In Hardiness Zone 8b, you can grow everything from camellias to summer corn with great success. The high organic matter provides the fuel needed for vibrant blooms and heavy vegetable yields. There is no better time than now to start planting in this productive South Carolina soil.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Darlington County have?
Darlington County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 75% sand, 12% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Darlington County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Darlington 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 Darlington County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Darlington County.
What crops or plants grow well in Darlington County's soil?
Based on Darlington 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 Darlington County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Darlington County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Darlington County
Soil Verdict
Darlington County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 15°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture.
Regional Context
Darlington County closely matches the South Carolina average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Darlington 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.