Brewster County, Texas (Main Part)
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 Brewster County, Texas (Main Part).
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackgap-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 209K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stovall silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 205K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blackgap-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 153K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paisano very gravelly sandy loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 140K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brewster-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 45 percent slopes | 124K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Altuda-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 115K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bissett-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 93K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crossen gravelly loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 87K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Crossen-Cienega complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 84K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bissett-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 71K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coyanosa-Buckear-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 45 percent slopes | 68K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mariscal-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 65K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mariscal-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 16 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brewster-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 59K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bissett-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 16 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buckear-Coyanosa complex, 5 to 16 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catto-Buckear-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 53K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Strawhouse-Stillwell complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bullis-Terino complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sanderson-Upton complex, warm, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 78% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 86% 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.