Deaf Smith County, Texas

Survey Area TX117• 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 Deaf Smith 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	424K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pep clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	139K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Olton clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	62K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Estacado clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	54K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Pullman clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	50K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pantex silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	36K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Pep clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Plemons loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lofton clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded	13K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Quay loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Pep clay loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Bippus clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Olton clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Glenrio-Quay association, 5 to 15 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Berda-Potter complex, 3 to 12 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Kimberson gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Potter-Mobeetie association, 8 to 45 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Randall clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently ponded	6K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
McLean clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lazbuddie clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded	6K	Moderately well drained	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.

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.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

About 72% 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.