Bowie County, Texas

Survey Area TX037• 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 Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Bowie 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
Sawyer silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	111K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wrightsville-Raino complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	44K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Adaton-Muskogee complex	39K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Annona loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	35K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Woodtell very fine sandy loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Eylau very fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	30K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Blevins silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Billyhaw clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	24K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	24K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Severn very fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	22K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Gladewater clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	21K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Thenas fine sandy loam, frequently flooded	17K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sardis silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	16K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ashford clay	14K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ruston fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
McKamie loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rosalie loamy fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Alusa loam	9K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Amy silt loam, frequently flooded	8K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Perry clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	7K	Poorly drained	D	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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Alfisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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 85% 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 85% 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.