Borden County, Texas
The most common soil here is Olton, on about 13% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Vernon and Acuff come next.
About 98% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 70% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 34% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 11% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 31% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Borden County, Texas, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Borden 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weymouth-Vernon complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Olton clay loam, moist, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Olton clay loam, moist, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colorado and Spur soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 31K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dermott gravelly fine sandy loam, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vernon clay, dry, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Acuff loam, moist, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vernon-Knoco complex, dry, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Stamford clay, dry, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Posey loam, moist, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Estacado clay loam, moist, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vernon clay, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miles fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pyron clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mangum clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stamford clay, dry, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berda-Paloduro complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Yellowhouse soils and Rock outcrop, 3 to 45 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vernon-Dermott complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Estacado and Pep loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 34% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 70% 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.