Matagorda County, Texas

Survey Area TX321• Texas

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Vertisols — clay-rich soils that shrink and swell dramatically with moisture changes. 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 Matagorda 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
Water	174K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Laewest clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	133K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dacosta sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	105K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Edna loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	72K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pledger clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	61K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Brazoria clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	33K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Surfside clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	24K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Livia silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	20K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bacliff clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	19K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Palacios loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	18K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Asa silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	16K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Tidehaven fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	15K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Texana fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	14K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Livco-Dacosta complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Laewest silty clay, overwashed, 0 to 1 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Harris clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	11K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pledger clay, occasionally flooded, 0 to 1 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Velasco clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	10K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Asa silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Francitas clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	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.

Vertisols

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

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.

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 77% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 74% 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.