Shelby County, Texas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Shelby County, Texas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastwood very fine sandy loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 127K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Eastwood very fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laneville loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 47K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scottsville-Latex complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 43K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dreka loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 21K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Metcalf-Sawtown complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, mounded | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latex fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hallsummit fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tenaha loamy fine sand, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lilbert loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Laneville silt loam, occasionally flooded | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Betis loamy fine sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cuthbert fine sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Metcalf very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Metcalf-Timpson complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, mounded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Darco loamy fine sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Owentown fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Darco loamy fine sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Alazan-Besner complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, mounded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 50% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
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.