Menard County, Texas

Survey Area TX327• 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 Menard 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
Tarrant soils, 1 to 8 percent slopes	389K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tarrant-Kavett complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Valera silty clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tarrant-Brackett association, hilly	23K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nuvalde silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Kavett silty clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Angelo silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Dev very gravelly loam, moist, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	12K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Nuvalde silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Frio clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Menard loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Menard fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Mereta clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Frio silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Frio soils, shallow variant	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rough broken land, gravelly	3K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Brackett soils, 1 to 8 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hext fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Frio soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	1K		D	Not rated	Not rated

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 91% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 95% 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.