Howard County, Texas

Survey Area TX227• Texas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Howard 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
Potter soils, 3 to 20 percent slopes	41K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Olton clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	38K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Portales loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Amarillo fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Acuff loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Amarillo fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Amarillo loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Portales loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Vernon-Knoco complex, dry, 1 to 12 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ector soils, moist, 1 to 8 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ector-Rock outcrop complex	16K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Midessa fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Treadway clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mansker loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Circleback fine sand, 1 to 30 percent slopes	13K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Stamford clay, dry, 0 to 1 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Stamford clay, dry, 1 to 3 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rowena clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Springer loamy fine sand, undulating	12K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Vernon clay, dry, 1 to 3 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	D	Somewhat 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.

Inceptisols

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

Alfisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

About 52% 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.