Jasper and Newton Counties, Texas
The most common soil here is Tehran, on about 7% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Evadale and Otanya come next.
About 41% of the land drains well, and 35% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 42% of it.
USDA rates 85% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 51% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 15% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 4% 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 Jasper and Newton 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 A (high infiltration, low 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 Jasper and Newton 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tehran-Letney association, hilly | 118K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Letney-Tehran association, undulating | 64K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Otanya very fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 56K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Evadale-Gist complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 52K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Doucette-Boykin association, undulating | 50K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pinetucky-Doucette association, undulating | 39K | Moderately well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Shankler-Boykin association, hilly | 38K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Simelake-Pluck complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 36K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodville-Redco association, gently undulating | 33K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kirbyville-Niwana complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 33K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belrose-Caneyhead frequently ponded complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 29K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Besner-Mollville complex, gently undulating | 29K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Waller-Dallardsville complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 27K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 27K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Urbo and Mantachie soils, frequently flooded | 26K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iuka soils, frequently flooded | 26K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hatliff-Pluck-Kian complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 26K | Poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evadale silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 26K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bienville-Alaga association, gently undulating | 25K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mantachie and Bleakwood soils, frequently flooded | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 51% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 85% 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.