Sutton 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 Sutton County, Texas.
| 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 |
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.