Randall County, Texas
The most common soil here is Pullman, on about 38% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Estacado and Pantex come next.
About 93% of the land drains well, and 3% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 7% of it.
USDA rates 78% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 24% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 2% 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 Randall 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 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 Randall 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pullman clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 183K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pullman clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 60K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pantex silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Estacado clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Potter-Mobeetie association, 8 to 45 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Olton clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lofton clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Estacado clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Olton clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Plemons loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pep clay loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Knoco-Quinlan-Burson association, 5 to 50 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McLean clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Potter soils, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Acuff loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mobeetie-Veal-Potter complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Plemons loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kimberson gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amarillo fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pullman-Urban land complex | 6K | 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 24% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 78% 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.