Howard County, Texas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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.