Nueces County, Texas

Survey Area TX355• Texas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Nueces 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
Victoria clay 0 to 1 percent slopes	306K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	151K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Orelia fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Raymondville complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	32K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Galveston and Mustang fine sands, occasionally flooded	21K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Tidal flats, occasionally ponded	19K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land	15K		D	Not limited	Very limited
Victoria clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, low	13K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Banquete clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	12K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Clareville loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Mustang fine sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, frequently ponded	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Coastal dunes	5K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Aransas clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	5K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ijam clay loam, rarely flooded	5K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Victoria clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Raymondville complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Willacy fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Calallen sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Aransas clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	4K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Twinpalms occasionally flooded-Yarborough frequently flooded complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Vertisols

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

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 67% 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 75% 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.