Loving and Winkler Counties, Texas
The most common soil here is Wickett, on about 13% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Pyote and Sharvana come next.
About 99% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 11% of it.
USDA rates 67% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 31% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 3% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Loving and Winkler Counties, Texas, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 31% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 67% 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.