Greenwood County Soil Data
Greenwood County, South Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Greenwood County, South Carolina
Strong Soils with Moderate Acidity
Greenwood County holds a soil score of 20.0, very close to the South Carolina state average. Its average pH of 5.46 is notably less acidic than many neighboring counties, though still under the national median.
High Silt and Clay Content
At 55.2% sand, 27.6% silt, and 16.4% clay, this soil has the highest combined silt and clay in the group. This dense composition allows it to trap and hold onto essential minerals and nutrients.
Leader in Water Retention
Greenwood leads with an available water capacity of 0.137 in/in, well above the state average of 0.115. While organic matter is low at 1.05%, the soil's ability to store water is a major asset during droughts.
Sturdy and Moisture-Rich
Specific drainage class data is unavailable, but the high clay and silt percentages suggest a slower, more deliberate drainage pattern. This makes the land very resilient to drying out but potentially slower to warm in spring.
Steady Yields in Zone 8a
Zone 8a's climate pairs well with Greenwood's superior water-holding soil for thirsty crops like corn and melons. Boost your garden's low organic matter with compost to create a truly high-performing plot.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Greenwood County have?
Greenwood County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 55% sand, 28% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Greenwood County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Greenwood County's soil has a low pH of 5.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Greenwood County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Greenwood County.
What crops or plants grow well in Greenwood County's soil?
Based on Greenwood County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.5, 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 Greenwood County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Greenwood County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Greenwood County
Soil Verdict
Greenwood County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 10°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
Greenwood County closely matches the South Carolina average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Greenwood 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.