Bell 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 Bell County, Texas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Black clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 55K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Denton silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Speck association, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Heiden clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Purves silty clay, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eckrant-Purves association, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tinn clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 22K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eckrant-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 21K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Branyon clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Heiden-Ferris complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Purves silty clay, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Real-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 40 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Austin silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Austin silty clay, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 19K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Branyon clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Topsey clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Brackett loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| San Saba clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lewisville silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 75% 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 87% 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.