Medina County, Texas

Survey Area TX325• 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 Medina 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
Eckrant-Rock outcrop association, 1 to 10 percent slopes	53K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Eckrant-Rock outcrop association, 8 to 30 percent slopes	50K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Knippa clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	48K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Speck association, 1 to 8 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Olmos very cobbly loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes, rubbly	35K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Montell clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	34K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Castroville clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Yologo gravelly loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Victoria clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	29K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Real association, undulating	29K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Divot clay loam, occasionally flooded	28K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Monteola gravelly clay, 1 to 5 percent slopes	22K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Duval very fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Nusil soils, 0 to 5 percent slopes	18K	Moderately well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Pratley clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Eckrant-rock outcrop-kerrville association, steep	17K		D	Very limited	Very limited
Quihi association, gently undulating	16K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Atco loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Monteola clay, 1 to 5 percent slopes	15K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Castroville clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat 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.

Inceptisols

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

Vertisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

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

Septic Systems

About 85% 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

Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.