Edwards and Real Counties, Texas
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 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 Edwards and Real Counties, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eckrant-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 20 percent slopes | 753K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eckrant-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 276K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ector-Rock outcrop complex, moist, 10 to 60 percent slopes | 121K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oplin-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 104K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Prade-Eckrant complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 94K | Well drained | D | Not rated | Very limited |
| Dina-Eckrant complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 53K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dev-Riverwash complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 48K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tarrant-Valera complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mailtrail very gravelly clay loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Real-Oplin complex, 1 to 20 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mailtrail-Mereta complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Prade-Tarrant complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rio Diablo silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tarrant-Eckrant complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ector-Rock outcrop complex, moist, 1 to 20 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Campwood-Knippa complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valera clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nuvalde clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Oakalla-Dev complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ector gravelly silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% 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 99% 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.