Sterling 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 Sterling County, Texas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ector soils, moist, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 137K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Angelo silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 90K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Angelo silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 68K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ector soils, moist, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 67K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cho and Potter soils, undulating | 48K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Broome silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mereta clay loam, dry, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rioconcho silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conger loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tarrant-Rock outcrop complex, dry, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tobosa clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reagan silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cho-Vernon complex, dry, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mereta clay loam, dry, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berda soils, undulating | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sagerton clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Reagan silty clay loam, moist, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rioconcho and Dev soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colorado loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Irion clay, dry, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded | 1K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 64% 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 93% 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.