Karnes County, Texas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Karnes County, Texas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coy clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pernitas sandy clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Weesatche fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bryde fine sandy loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eloso clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gillett fine sandy loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Papalote loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Weesatche sandy clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pavelek clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clareville clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monteola clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Papalote fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Buchel clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosenbrock clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sinton sandy clay loam, occasionally flooded | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miguel fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tordia clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nusil fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coy clay loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pavelek clay, 3 to 5 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 53% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 82% 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.