Jim Wells County, Texas

Survey Area TX249• 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 Jim Wells 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
Lattas clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	62K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Opelika fine sandy loam	49K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Opelika fine sandy loam, depressional, ponded	33K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Runge fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Delfina fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	30K	Moderately well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Clareville loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pernitas sandy clay loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Delfina loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	22K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Racombes sandy clay loam, cool, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	21K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Papagua soils, depressional, ponded	21K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Delfina fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	17K	Moderately well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Czar fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Olmedo very gravelly fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Papalote fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	16K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Parrita sandy clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Czar fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Pernitas sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Papalote loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Randado-Olmedo complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Edroy clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded	8K	Poorly 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.

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

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 74% 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.