Lubbock County, Texas
The most common soil here is Acuff, on about 20% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Olton and Amarillo come next.
About 96% of the land drains well, and 3% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 4% of it.
USDA rates 40% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 7% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
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 Lubbock County, 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 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 Lubbock 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acuff loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 111K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Olton clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 110K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Amarillo fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 79K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pullman clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 52K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Estacado clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Amarillo fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Randall clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded | 15K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Olton clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Acuff loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Estacado clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Amarillo-Urban land complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Acuff-Urban land complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lofton clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Posey fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Potter loam, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mansker clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Berda-Potter association, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zita loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bippus clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Potter-Berda association, 20 to 45 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very 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
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 40% 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.