Austin and Waller Counties, Texas

Survey Area TX600• Texas

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Austin and Waller Counties, Texas. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Katy fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	60K	Moderately well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Brazoria clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	39K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wockley fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	37K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tremona loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes	28K	Somewhat poorly drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hockley loamy fine sand, 1 to 3 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kenney loamy fine sand, 2 to 8 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Cyfair-Katy complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	24K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Catilla loamy fine sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes	22K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Monaville loamy fine sand, 1 to 3 percent slopes	21K	Moderately well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Tabor fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	21K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Verland clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	19K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Trinity clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	17K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lake Charles clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	17K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Frelsburg clay, 3 to 5 percent slopes	16K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Churnabog clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, occasionally ponded	14K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Crockett fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	12K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wockley fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Styx loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Straber loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Chazos loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 53% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.