Fairfield County Soil Data
Fairfield County, South Carolina
Avg pH
5.5
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Fairfield County, South Carolina
Moderately Acidic Piedmont Soils
Fairfield County has a pH of 5.55, making it one of the least acidic in the region compared to the state average of 5.27. Despite this, its overall soil score of 18.7 sits slightly below the South Carolina benchmark of 20.6.
Firm Structure with Clay Support
The composition consists of 65.9% sand, 18.9% silt, and 15.3% clay. This relatively high clay content provides a firm structure that holds onto nutrients better than the sandier soils of the coast.
High Water Capacity, Low Matter
Available water capacity is strong at 0.126 in/in, which is better than the state average of 0.115. Conversely, organic matter is quite low at 1.00%, meaning the soil has a high thirst but needs nutritional supplements.
Slow and Steady Hydrology
While drainage class data is not formally listed, the 15.3% clay content suggests a slower percolation rate than sandier regions. This helps the soil maintain moisture for plants during the dry weeks of summer.
Resilient Gardening in Zone 8a
In hardiness zone 8a, Fairfield gardeners can grow robust summer squash and okra. Focus on building up the soil's low organic matter with mulching and green manures for the best results.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Fairfield County have?
Fairfield County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 66% sand, 19% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Fairfield County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Fairfield County's soil has a pH of 5.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Fairfield County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Fairfield County.
What crops or plants grow well in Fairfield County's soil?
Based on Fairfield County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.5, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Fairfield County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Fairfield County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Fairfield 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.