Mason County, Texas

Survey Area TX319• Texas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Mason 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
Eckert-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes	84K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Keese-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes	54K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Eckert-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes	36K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tarrant-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Yates-Nebgen-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Castell sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ligon-Katemcy-Keese complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes, very rocky	22K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Mereta-Cho-Sunev complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes, rocky	20K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Voca sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes, rocky	20K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Katemcy-Honeycreek complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Nebgen-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes, stony	18K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Campwood, Sunev, and Valera soils, 0 to 5 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hye-Oben-Loneoak complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Acove-Campair-Loneoak complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hye-Nebgen-Oben complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes, rocky	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Menard-Pedernales complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Ligon-Keese complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes, rocky	13K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Keese-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 35 percent slopes, stony	12K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lou-Click-Voca complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes, rocky	12K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Fieldcreek-Riverwash complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes, flooded	11K	Well drained	A	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.

Mollisols

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

Alfisols

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

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 70% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 97% 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.