Bandera County, Texas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Bandera County, Texas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eckrant-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 99K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eckrant-Kerrville association, steep | 83K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eckrant-Rock outcrop association, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 65K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kerrville gravelly clay loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kerrville-Rock outcrop association, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Krum-Pratley association, gently undulating | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tarrant-Doss association, undulating | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Anhalt clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oakalla silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spires-Tarpley clays complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pratley clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pratley association, undulating | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Doss silty clay, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orif-Boerne association, 0 to 5 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nuvalde silty clay, moist, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Krum silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Krum silty clay, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nuvalde silty clay, moist, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Boerne fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 1K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 96% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 99% 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.