Cameron County, 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 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 Cameron 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 139K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Laredo silty clay loam 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 62K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Raymondville clay loam | 51K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harlingen clay | 49K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sejita silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded | 46K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lomalta clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded | 41K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barrada clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded, occasionally ponded | 32K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Olmito silty clay | 28K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Willacy fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Benito clay, ponded | 23K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Willamar fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hidalgo sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Racombes sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mercedes clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Point Isabel clay loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laredo silty clay loam, saline | 13K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Twinpalms occasionally flooded-Yarborough frequently flooded complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chargo silty clay | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyford sandy clay loam | 10K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mustang fine sand, saline, frequently flooded | 10K | Poorly drained | A/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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 62% 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 56% 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.