Nueces County, Texas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Nueces County, Texas.
| 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 |
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.