Starr County, Texas

Survey Area TX427• Texas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Starr 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
McAllen fine sandy loam	237K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Copita fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	113K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Brennan fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	65K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Zapata soils	60K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Catarina clay, association, 0 to 5 percent slopes	53K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ramadero loam	43K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Delmita fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	37K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Garceno clay loam	28K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Sarita fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Jimenez-Quemado association	23K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Montell clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes	20K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Delmita and Bruni soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Reynosa silty clay loam	8K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Comitas loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Rio Grande silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Lagloria silt loam	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Matamoros silty clay	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Camargo silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Falfurrias fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Water	4K		D	Not rated	Not rated

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.

Entisols

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

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Inceptisols

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

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 38% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 49% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

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.