Lee County Soil Data
Lee County, South Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lee County, South Carolina
Classic acidity in Lee County soil
Lee County soil has an average pH of 5.27, which matches the state average exactly but is lower than the national median of 6.5. Taxonomic order and texture data are not formally listed, but the pH indicates typical South Carolina conditions. This level of acidity usually benefits acid-loving native plants but may need buffering for vegetables.
High sand content defines the texture
The soil is extremely sandy, at 79.9% sand, with 11.8% silt and 8.4% clay. This profile makes for a very loose, gritty soil that is easy to plow but poor at holding onto liquid fertilizers. It warms up quickly in the spring, allowing for early planting dates.
Lean soils requiring careful management
Organic matter is low at 1.37%, well below the state average of 2.05%. The available water capacity is also low at 0.091 in/in, which is below the state average of 0.115 in/in. These numbers suggest a soil that needs frequent watering and regular additions of organic material to stay productive.
Incomplete data on local drainage
There is currently no digital record for dominant drainage classes or hydrologic groups in Lee County. Given the high sand content of nearly 80%, users can generally expect rapid infiltration unless a clay hardpan is present. Check with local neighbors or agricultural experts to confirm how your specific site behaves.
Growing Southern staples in Zone 8b
Lee County is located in Hardiness Zone 8b, providing the perfect climate for cotton, peanuts, and collard greens. The fast-warming sandy soil gives you a head start on the spring growing season. With a little extra water and compost, your backyard can be highly productive.
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 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lee County have?
Lee County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 80% sand, 12% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lee County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lee 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 Lee County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lee County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lee County's soil?
Based on Lee County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Lee County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lee County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lee County
Soil Verdict
Lee 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
Lee County closely matches the South Carolina average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lee 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.