Reeves County, Texas
The most common soil here is Reakor, on about 18% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Delnorte and Verhalen come next.
About 88% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 78% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 77% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 23% 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 Reeves 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 D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 Reeves 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delnorte-Chilicotal association, rolling | 404K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reakor association, nearly level | 261K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hoban-Reeves-Holloman association, nearly level | 164K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Not limited |
| Verhalen clay | 133K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holloman-Reeves association, gently undulating | 92K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upton-Delnorte association, nearly level | 58K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orla association, nearly level | 57K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Not limited |
| Hoban silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Not limited |
| Hodgins soils, frequently flooded | 44K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brewster association, hilly | 33K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bissett-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reakor-Lozier association, undulating | 30K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Limpia-Mitre association, gently sloping | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hodgins silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Reakor silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Reeves clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lozier-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Verhalen association | 22K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arno-Pecos-Patrole association | 20K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toyah clay loam | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat 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 77% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
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
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.