Runnels County, Texas
The most common soil here is Rowena, on about 17% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Quanah and Potter come next.
About 99% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 69% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 58% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 7% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 20% 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 Runnels 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 B (moderate infiltration). 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 Runnels 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rowena and Tobosa soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 108K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talpa-Kavett complex | 70K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Potter soils | 64K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mereta clay loam, cool, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quanah clay loam, moist, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Quanah clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 53K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rowena and Tobosa soils, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sagerton clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Spur loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colorado and Westola soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bukreek loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sagerton clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Valera silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vernon-Badland complex, dry, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mereta clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kavett silty clay, cool, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valera silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bukreek loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 6K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Miles fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not 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 58% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 69% 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.