Common Soil Types in Coastal South Carolina & How They Affect Drainage
Understanding Coastal South Carolina’s Soils
The Coastal Plain of South Carolina, which includes Horry and Georgetown Counties, has a diverse range of soil types that significantly impact drainage, stormwater management, and land use. Whether a property experiences nuisance flooding, slow infiltration, or rapid water loss, the underlying soil plays a major role in how water moves through the landscape.
Knowing the soil composition on a property helps homeowners, developers, and engineers make informed decisions about drainage solutions, landscaping, and construction.
Key Soil Types in Coastal South Carolina & Their Drainage Characteristics
1. Sandy Soils (Excessively Drained to Well-Drained)
Common Series: Leon, Lakeland, Alpin
Characteristics: High sand content, loose structure, fast infiltration rates
Drainage Impact:
Water drains very quickly, leading to low moisture retention
Less risk of standing water, but more prone to drought stress
Can contribute to erosion issues if not properly managed
Where Found: Higher elevation areas and along sandy ridges
2. Loamy Soils (Moderately Well-Drained to Well-Drained)
Common Series: Norfolk, Lynchburg, Goldsboro
Characteristics: Balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay, good structure
Drainage Impact:
Allows for steady infiltration while retaining moisture
Less prone to erosion than sandy soils
Ideal for landscaping and agriculture due to balanced drainage
Where Found: Common in gently sloping areas inland from the coast
3. Clayey Soils (Poorly Drained to Very Poorly Drained)
Common Series: Wahee, Rains, Coxville
Characteristics: High clay content, slow permeability, sticky when wet
Drainage Impact:
Holds water for long periods, causing poor infiltration
Prone to puddling and standing water
Can create drainage challenges for construction and landscaping
Where Found: Low-lying areas, near wetlands, and flood-prone zones
4. Organic & Peaty Soils (Very Poorly Drained)
Common Series: Murville, Yauhannah, Croatan
Characteristics: High organic matter, dark color, spongy texture
Drainage Impact:
Retains large amounts of water, often permanently saturated
Extremely slow drainage, leading to high water tables
Often found in wetland areas or historically swampy land
Where Found: Coastal marshes, low-lying forested areas, and wetlands
How Soil Type Affects Drainage & Property Management
Flooding & Ponding Risks – Poorly drained clay and organic soils are more prone to standing water after heavy rains, while sandy soils drain too fast to retain moisture.
Stormwater Management Challenges – Areas with slow-draining soils may require engineered drainage solutions such as French drains or retention basins.
Erosion & Runoff Issues – Sandy soils contribute to erosion problems, while clay-rich soils can lead to high runoff rates.
Construction Considerations – Compacted clay soils can make foundations unstable, while highly permeable sandy soils may require additional stabilization.
Landscaping & Gardening – Some plants thrive in well-drained loamy soils, while others need the moisture retention of clay soils. Understanding soil type helps homeowners choose the right vegetation.
The soils of Coastal South Carolina vary widely, influencing everything from drainage capacity to construction feasibility. Understanding soil type is essential for stormwater management, erosion control, and land development.
For homeowners in Horry and Georgetown Counties, recognizing how soil impacts drainage can help in preventing water-related issues and improving property management.
