Hill County, Texas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Hill County, Texas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Black clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 85K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ferris-Heiden complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Heiden clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tinn clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 31K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houston Black clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 20K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Aledo-Somervell gravelly clay loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Normangee clay loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eddy very gravelly clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ferris clay, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ferris clay, 8 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crockett fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eddy very gravelly clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Normangee clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Silstid loamy fine sand, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Branyon clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Austin silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Stephen silty clay, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bastsil loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wilson clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 92% 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.