Florence County Soil Data
Florence County, South Carolina
Avg pH
5.2
Texture
Sand
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Florence County, South Carolina
Classic Sandy Ultisols
Florence County features Ultisols with an average pH of 5.18, slightly below the state average. These weathered soils are typical of the region and require management to keep productivity high.
Dominated by Gritty Sand
The soil is 79.0% sand, the highest in this group, with only 8.2% clay. This creates a sand texture that is highly permeable, allowing water to pass through with very little resistance.
Above Average Water Storage
Available water capacity is 0.118 in/in, which is surprisingly better than the state average despite the high sand content. Organic matter sits at 1.98%, which is very close to the national average of 2.0%.
Well-Drained Agricultural Lands
Classified as well-drained and belonging to Hydrologic Group B, these soils are easy to manage for large-scale farming. They offer moderate infiltration rates that prevent waterlogging after heavy South Carolina rains.
Watermelons and More in 8b
The sandy texture in zone 8b is perfect for crops like watermelons and peanuts that prefer loose soil. Start a garden here knowing your soil has decent water capacity, but keep the mulch heavy to retain moisture.
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: Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Florence County have?
Florence County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 79% sand, 13% silt, and 8% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Florence County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Florence County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Florence County?
Florence 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 Florence County's soil?
Based on Florence County's Sand texture, pH of 5.2, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Florence County?
Florence 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 Florence 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.