Jeff Davis County, Texas

Survey Area TX243• Texas

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 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 Jeff Davis 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
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

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.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Vertisols

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

Alfisols

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

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.