Jim Wells 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 Jim Wells County, Texas.
| 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 |
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.