Jeff Davis County, Texas
The dominant drainage class is 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 Jeff Davis County, Texas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brewster association, hilly | 254K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mainstay-Brewster association, hilly | 139K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Liv-Mainstay-Rock outcrop association, steep | 137K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Musquiz clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 107K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Brewster-Rock outcrop association, steep | 102K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Sanmoss-Medley complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 88K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Redona association | 64K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Boracho-Espy complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reagan-Hodgins association | 45K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bigetty association | 44K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Brewster association, steep | 44K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Limpia and Mitre soils, gently sloping | 37K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bunton silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 34K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Verhalen-Dalby association | 33K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockhouse association | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Verhalen clay | 27K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nickel-Chispa association, undulating | 27K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Puerta-Madrone association, steep | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockhouse-Bigetty association | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bissett-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 72% 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 91% 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.