Nacogdoches County, Texas
The most common soil here is Nacogdoches, on about 10% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Cuthbert and Kirvin come next.
About 69% of the land drains well, and 5% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 18% of it.
USDA rates 83% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 28% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 15% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 12% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Nacogdoches County, Texas, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Nacogdoches 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuthbert fine sandy loam, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 56K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nacogdoches fine sandy loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lilbert loamy fine sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kirvin fine sandy loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tenaha loamy fine sand, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Darco loamy fine sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mantachie soils, frequently flooded | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 20K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Sacul fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sacul fine sandy loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tuscosso clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marietta soils, frequently flooded | 19K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trawick clay loam, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Eastwood very fine sandy loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bernaldo-Besner complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Trawick fine sandy loam, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Iulus fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 14K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hannahatchee loam, frequently flooded | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Darco loamy fine sand, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bowie fine sandy loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 28% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 83% 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.