Loving and Winkler Counties, Texas

Survey Area TX615• Texas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 Loving and Winkler Counties, 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
Wickett-Sharvana complex, gently undulating	172K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Elgee-Penwell complex, gently undulating	98K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Pyote fine sand, gently undulating	97K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Blakeney-Conger complex, gently undulating	82K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wickett-Pyote complex, gently undulating	77K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Penwell-Dune land complex, hummocky	76K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Splotter-Mentone complex, gently undulating	57K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tencee-Mentone complex, gently undulating	55K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kinco-Blakeney complex, nearly level	51K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Sharvana fine sandy loam, nearly level	43K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pyote-Penwell complex, gently undulating	33K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Dune land	25K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Holloman-Monahans complex, gently undulating	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Monahans-Pajarito complex, nearly level	12K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Chamberino-Delnorte association, rolling	11K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Harkey-Patrole association, occasionally flooded	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Pecos-Arno-Patrole association, occasionally flooded	8K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Holloman-Reeves complex, nearly level	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Turney loam, nearly level	8K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Ratliff fine sandy loam, nearly level	7K	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.

Aridisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 29% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 66% 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.