Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

Survey Area TX625• 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 Guadalupe Mountains National Park, 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
Chilicotal-Chispa complex, 3 to 13 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Bissett-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lostpeak-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 95 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Victorio-Lozen-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 60 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Monahans-Pajarito complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Not limited
Victorio-Lozen-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 95 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Biduya-Desario-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 50 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pinery, Choza, and Altuda soils, 5 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky	6K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Corvus-Peligro complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bonespring-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 60 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Copia loamy fine sand, 2 to 7 percent slopes	2K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Chispa-Tenneco complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Lark-Peligro complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes	1K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Lazarus loam, 2 to 9 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
McKittrick-Riverwash complex, flooded, 0 to 3 percent slopes	521	Well drained	B	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.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 63% 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 73% 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.