Hampton County Soil Data
Hampton County, South Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.0
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hampton County, South Carolina
Highly acidic profiles in Hampton County
Hampton County soil registers a pH of 5.00, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and lower than the state average. While specific taxonomic orders are not mapped here, the acidity suggests a landscape that requires lime for traditional gardening. Local growers must manage this low pH to unlock essential nutrients for plant growth.
A landscape dominated by sand
The soil composition is 77.6% sand, 11.9% silt, and 8.5% clay. This high sand content ensures fast drainage but limits the soil's ability to hold onto nutrients over time. You will find this ground easy to work and dig, though it dries out quickly during South Carolina's hot summers.
Impressive organic matter despite low water capacity
At 3.15%, the organic matter content is remarkably higher than the state average of 2.05% and the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity is low at 0.097 in/in compared to the state average of 0.115 in/in. This means the soil is naturally rich in carbon but struggles to retain moisture for thirsty crops.
Limited data on local drainage patterns
Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are currently unclassified for this county. Without specific drainage data, builders and farmers should perform site-specific perk tests to ensure proper water movement. The high sand percentage generally suggests rapid infiltration, but local pockets of clay could alter results.
Heat-loving crops thrive in Zone 8b
Hampton County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, providing a long and warm growing season. This environment is perfect for heat-tolerant crops like watermelons, sweet potatoes, and okra. Grab a shovel and start your garden today to take advantage of the high natural organic matter.
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 Hampton County have?
Hampton County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 78% sand, 12% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hampton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hampton 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 Hampton County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hampton County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hampton County's soil?
Based on Hampton 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 Hampton County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hampton County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hampton County
Soil Verdict
Hampton 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
Hampton County closely matches the South Carolina average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hampton 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.