Lamb County, Texas

Survey Area TX279• Texas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Lamb 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
Amarillo fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	144K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Amarillo fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	80K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Olton loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	73K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Brownfield fine sand, thick surface	40K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Circleback fine sand, 1 to 30 percent slopes	38K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Acuff loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Amarillo loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Portales loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Midessa fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Midessa fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Randall clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded	13K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Acuff loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Arvana fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Zita fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Portales loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Zita loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Kimberson gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Berda fine sandy loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Arvana fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Veal fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat 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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

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

Aridisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

About 25% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

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.