Briscoe County, Texas

Survey Area TX045• Texas

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 Briscoe 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
Pullman clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	157K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Quinlan and Burson soils, hilly	83K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Burson and Quinlan soils steep	72K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Obaro and Quinlan soils, rolling	29K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Potter-Veal-Rock outcrop association, 12 to 60 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Posey and Tulia loams, 3 to 12 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Lofton clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded	14K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Enterprise loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Pullman clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Berda loam, moist, 3 to 8 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Olton clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Riverwash	10K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Obaro loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Berda loam, moist, 1 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
McLean clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Olton clay loam, moist, 1 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Randall clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently ponded	6K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Berda loam, moist, 3 to 5 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Bukreek loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Miles fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	6K	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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 42% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 90% 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.