Sterling County, Texas

Survey Area TX431• 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 Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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. 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
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

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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Vertisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Aridisols

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

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

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

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.