Sutton County, Texas

Survey Area TX435• 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 Sutton 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
Tarrant soils, 1 to 8 percent slopes	425K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kavett-Tarrant association, 0 to 4 percent slopes	197K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tarrant-Rock outcrop complex, dry, 8 to 30 percent slopes	100K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Angelo silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	67K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ector-Rock outcrop complex, moist, 10 to 60 percent slopes	44K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kavett-Valera association	35K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rioconcho and Dev soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	22K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Reagan silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Tobosa clay, deep, 0 to 1 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ector soils, moist, 1 to 8 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Irion clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally ponded	938	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	282		D	Not rated	Not rated
Dams	35		D	Not rated	Not rated
Pits, caliche	15		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.

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.

Aridisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 91% 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 99% 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

Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.