Georgetown County Soil Data
Georgetown County, South Carolina
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Sand
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
4.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Georgetown County, South Carolina
Top-Tier Coastal Soil Quality
Georgetown County earns a high soil score of 28.0, beating the state average of 20.6 by a wide margin. Its pH of 5.10 is lower than the state average, requiring lime for most traditional vegetable gardening.
Sandy Texture with Hidden Depth
The soil is 71.3% sand and 10.3% clay, yet it behaves differently than typical beach sand. This sand-heavy mix is common in the Lowcountry, providing an open structure for root systems to expand.
Rich Organic Powerhouse
At 4.33%, the organic matter content is the highest in the region and more than double the national average. This fertility helps offset a lower available water capacity of 0.103 in/in.
Poorly Drained Coastal Flats
Despite the sand content, the soil is classified as poorly drained, likely due to a high water table or flat terrain. This requires gardeners to use raised beds or improved drainage systems for many plant types.
Lush Growth in Zone 8b
The combination of high organic matter and a warm 8b climate makes Georgetown excellent for hydrangeas and ferns. Capitalize on that rich natural fertility by starting a coastal-style kitchen garden.
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 Georgetown County have?
Georgetown County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 71% sand, 15% silt, and 10% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Georgetown County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Georgetown 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 Georgetown County?
Georgetown 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 Georgetown County's soil?
Based on Georgetown 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 Georgetown County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Georgetown County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Georgetown 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.