Refugio County, Texas

Survey Area TX391• 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 Vertisols — clay-rich soils that shrink and swell dramatically with moisture changes. 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 Refugio 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	163K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Orelia fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	64K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Papalote fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	40K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Banquete clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	31K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	31K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Victoria clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, low	30K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Papalote loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	20K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Inari fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	15K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Aransas clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, slightly saline, moderately sodic, frequently flooded	13K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Narta loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	12K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Edroy clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded	10K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Victine clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vidauri fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	8K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wyick fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Papalote fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Aransas clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	7K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Copano fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded	7K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Blanconia loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Victoria clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sarita-Falfurrias fine sands, 0 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Not 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.

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.

Mollisols

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

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 61% 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 92% 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.