Guadalupe County, Texas

Survey Area TX187• 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 Guadalupe 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
Patilo and Arenosa soils, 1 to 8 percent slopes	53K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Branyon clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	45K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Houston Black clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	40K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Crockett loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	33K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Robco-Tanglewood complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes	32K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Windthorst fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	20K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Crockett fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	19K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Heiden clay, 3 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tinn clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	13K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Barbarosa silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Uhland soils frequently flooded	12K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Houston Black gravelly clay, 3 to 5 percent slopes	12K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Branyon clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ferris and Heiden soils, 5 to 20 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mabank loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	9K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vernia very gravelly loamy sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Crockett gravelly fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tinn clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	7K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sunev loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Lewisville silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	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.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 67% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 96% 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.