Bandera County, Texas

Survey Area TX019• Texas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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. 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
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

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.

Mollisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Vertisols

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

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.