Martin County, Texas

Survey Area TX317• Texas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Martin 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	110K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Amarillo fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	73K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Amarillo loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	54K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Midessa fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	50K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Portales loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	37K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Kimbrough-Slaughter complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	34K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kimbrough and Upton soils, nearly level	24K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Acuff sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Slaughter loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharvana fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gomez fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Patricia fine sand, gently undulating	12K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Midessa fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Brownfield fine sand, thick surface	10K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Olton loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Stegall clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Arvana fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Arch soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Veal fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Arvana fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Somewhat 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.

Alfisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Mollisols

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

Entisols

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

Aridisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

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 23% 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.