Frio County, Texas

Survey Area TX163• 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 Frio 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
Duval very fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	106K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Hindes-Yologo complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes	61K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Duval loamy fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	53K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Webb very fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	52K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Zavco sandy clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Poteet very fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded	26K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Brystal very fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Uvalde clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Duval very fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Poth loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Zavco sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Winterhaven silty clay loam, occasionally flooded	14K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Dilley fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Webb very fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Elmendorf-Denhawken complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Miguel very fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Caid sandy clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Caid sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Lacoste very fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Olmos very cobbly loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes, rubbly	11K	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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

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

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 57% 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.