Hood and Somervell Counties, Texas
The most common soil here is Eckrant, on about 13% of the land: a very cobbly clay, sticky when wet and rock-hard when dry. Windthorst and Sunev come next.
About 79% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 78% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 60% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 46% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Hood and Somervell Counties, Texas, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 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 Hood and Somervell Counties, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aledo-Bolar association, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 53K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eckrant-Purves association, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eckrant-Purves association, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sunev clay loam, cool, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Windthorst fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 21K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Selden fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 14K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Venus loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Brackett soils, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frio silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Granbury very fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Granbury very fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Windthorst and Duffau sandy clay loams, 1 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bosque loam, occasionally flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Windthorst very fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Krum clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nimrod fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sunev clay loam, cool, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Yahola-Gaddy complex, occasionally flooded | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Selden loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Moderately 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 60% 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 78% 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.