Shackelford County, Texas

Survey Area TX417• Texas

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 Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Shackelford 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
Throck-Palopinto association, undulating	98K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lueders very gravelly clay loam, undulating	69K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Throck-Palopinto association, steep	53K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nukrum clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	44K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Frio silty clay, occasionally flooded	38K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Leeray clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	38K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Palopinto very flaggy silty clay loam, undulating	28K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Throck clay, 1 to 5 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cho gravelly loam, undulating	22K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Leeray clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nuvalde clay loam, cool, 1 to 3 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Thurber clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pitzer gravelly clay loam, undulating	11K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mereta silty clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Purves clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rowden clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nuvalde silty clay loam, cool, 0 to 1 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Bluegrove loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Wichita clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Purves cobbly clay, gently undulating	6K	Well drained	D	Very 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.

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.

Inceptisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 93% 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 98% 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.