Gaines County, Texas

Survey Area TX165• Texas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Gaines 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
Patricia fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	455K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Brownfield fine sand, thick surface	182K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Arvana soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes	51K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Amarillo loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	48K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Sharvana fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	42K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Midessa fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Amarillo fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Kimberson gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Arvana fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Gomez fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Gomez loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Sharvana loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Circleback-Potter complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Berda-Potter complex, 3 to 12 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Patricia loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Amarillo fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Salt Lake	6K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Bippus and Sprone soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Midessa fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Zita fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	5K	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.

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.

Mollisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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

Most soils are reasonably suitable for conventional septic systems, though site-specific conditions always matter. Get a perc test to confirm.

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.