Jasper County Soil Data

Jasper County, South Carolina

Avg pH

5.3

Texture

Loamy fine sand

Drainage

Moderately well drained

Organic Matter

2.8%

Hydrologic Group

B/D

Data Story

About Soil in Jasper County, South Carolina

Ultisols define the Jasper landscape

Jasper County is dominated by Ultisols with a loamy fine sand texture and an average pH of 5.32. This pH is slightly higher than the South Carolina average but still falls below the national median of 6.5. These soils are weathered and acidic, requiring careful management of lime and fertilizers.

A balanced loamy fine sand

The soil mix contains 73.4% sand, 14.9% silt, and 11.7% clay, providing a versatile foundation for agriculture. The moderate clay content offers better nutrient storage than neighboring sandier counties. It strikes a good balance between being easy to till and maintaining its structure under heavy rain.

Solid fertility and moderate water storage

Organic matter stands at 2.84%, outperforming the state average of 2.05%. Available water capacity is 0.102 in/in, which is closer to the state average than many coastal neighbors. This combination creates a soil that is relatively resilient and capable of supporting vigorous plant growth.

Reliable and moderately well-drained ground

Classified as 'Moderately well drained' with a B/D hydrologic group, this soil generally moves water effectively. It offers flexibility for both farming and construction, as it does not stay saturated as long as many coastal soils. You can expect good performance from traditional septic systems and garden drainage here.

Bountiful harvests in Zone 9a

Jasper County enjoys the warmth of Zone 9a, allowing for the growth of citrus and other subtropical varieties. The soil and climate combination is perfect for strawberries, peppers, and even some palm species. It is a gardener's paradise where the season almost never truly ends.

Soil Composition

Loamy fine sand
Sand: 73.4%
Silt: 14.9%
Clay: 11.7%
Loamy fine sand

Soil pH

5.3pH
5.31723544122312
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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.

Runoff potential:Moderate

Drainage Class

Moderately well drained

Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Loamy fine sand

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Jasper County have?

Jasper County's soil is classified as Loamy fine sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 73% sand, 15% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Jasper County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Jasper County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.

What is the drainage class for Jasper County?

Jasper County has a dominant drainage class of "Moderately 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 Jasper County's soil?

Based on Jasper County's Loamy fine sand texture, pH of 5.3, and Moderately well drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.

What USDA soil order is found in Jasper County?

Jasper 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.

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.