Matagorda County, Texas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.