Spartanburg County Soil Data
Spartanburg County, South Carolina
Avg pH
5.3
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
0.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Spartanburg County, South Carolina
Typical Piedmont acidity in Spartanburg
While taxonomic data is limited for this area, the soil features a pH of 5.34, which is nearly identical to the South Carolina average of 5.27. This acidic environment is characteristic of the region and sits over a full point lower than the national median.
High sand content drives soil texture
The soil is predominantly sand at 61.1%, balanced by 18.9% silt and 15.0% clay. This high sand percentage suggests a loose texture that is generally easy to till but may require frequent watering.
Lean soils with surprisingly good capacity
At 0.69%, organic matter is significantly lower than the state average of 2.05%, indicating a need for soil amendments. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.129 in/in remains higher than the state average, helping plants survive during summer heat.
Limited data on Spartanburg drainage classes
Official drainage and hydrologic group classifications are not currently available for Spartanburg's primary soil map. Local growers should observe their specific plots for pooling, as the high sand content often suggests rapid drainage despite the lack of formal data.
Diverse planting in hardiness zone 8a
The region supports everything from apple orchards to landscape shrubs that thrive in the long growing season. Adding compost to your garden will help overcome the low organic matter and turn this sandy soil into a productive oasis.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Spartanburg County have?
Spartanburg County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 61% sand, 19% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Spartanburg County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Spartanburg County.
What crops or plants grow well in Spartanburg County's soil?
Based on Spartanburg County's Sandy Loam 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 Spartanburg County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Spartanburg County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Spartanburg 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.