Harris County, Texas

Survey Area TX201• Texas

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Harris 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
Clodine-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	94K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lake Charles clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	62K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wockley-Urban land complex	62K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cyfair-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	60K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lake Charles-Urban land complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	59K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Addicks-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	49K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	37K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Katy-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	36K	Moderately well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Bernard-Edna complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	35K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bernard clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	33K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bernard-Urban land complex	33K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
League clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	31K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land	29K		D	Not limited	Not limited
Splendora-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	26K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Katy fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	24K	Moderately well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Gessner occasionally ponded-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	23K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wockley fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	23K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Texla-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	20K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Aris-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	18K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Texla silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	18K	Somewhat poorly 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.

Alfisols

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

Mollisols

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

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 83% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 91% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.