Stephens 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 Stephens County, Texas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegrove loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Thurber clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 56K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonti-Exray complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 48K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Owens-Harpersville complex, 8 to 45 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 36K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindy silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leeray clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonti-Exray-Truce complex, hilly, very stony | 31K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Palopinto very stony clay loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes, rubbly | 29K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hensley loam, gently sloping, extremely stony | 28K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gageby clay loam, moist, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Truce fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rowden clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Throck clay, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonti fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Set-Palopinto complex, 8 to 40 percent slopes, extremely stony | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 16K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Truce fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Thurber clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chaney loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Leeray clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 59% 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 96% 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.