Culberson County, Main Part, Texas
The most common soil here is Bissett, on about 12% of the land: a very gravelly loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Beach and Culberspeth come next.
About 99% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 80% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 72% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 8% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 58% 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 Culberson County, Main Part, Texas, 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 Culberson County, Main Part, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Culberspeth-Chilicotal complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 251K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Elcor-Dellahunt-Pokorny complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 197K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hollebeke-Pokorny complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 189K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allamore-Beach-Rock outcrop complex, moist, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 111K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reyab silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 104K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bissett-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 101K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bissett-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 99K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Double loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 94K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dellahunt-Neimahr-Joberanch complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 93K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bissett-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 91K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kinco-Aguena-Perilla complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 77K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Beach very gravelly coarse sandy loam, 5 to 16 percent slopes | 69K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bissett-Beach complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 67K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monahans fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bissett-Rock outcrop-Beach complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 59K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bissett-Rock outcrop complex, moist, 20 to 65 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McAllister fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Beach-Tenneco complex, moist, 3 to 16 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elcor fine gypsum material, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chispa-Chilicotal complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 43K | 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 72% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 80% 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.