Ellis County, Texas

Survey Area TX139• 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 Vertisols — clay-rich soils that shrink and swell dramatically with moisture changes. 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 Ellis 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
Houston Black clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	105K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Trinity clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	47K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Austin silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Heiden clay, 3 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	35K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Eddy soils, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	28K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Branyon clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	21K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Branyon clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	21K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Houston Black clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	18K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wilson clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	18K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Heiden-Ferris complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded	18K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Eddy gravelly clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Heiden clay, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	17K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Trinity clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	17K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Austin silty clay, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded	15K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Heiden clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Stephen silty clay, 1 to 4 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Broken alluvial land, rarely flooded	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Burleson clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ellis and Heiden clays, 5 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Stephen-Eddy complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes	9K	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.

Vertisols

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

Mollisols

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

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.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 87% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 100% 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.