Brewster County, Texas (Main Part)
The most common soil here is Blackgap, on about 8% of the land: a very cobbly silt loam, smooth, like flour. Bissett and Stovall come next.
About 98% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 85% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 75% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 59% 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 Brewster County, Texas (Main Part), 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 D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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). 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 75% 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 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
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.