Terrell 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 Terrell County, Texas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ector-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 60 percent slopes | 354K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ector-Rock outcrop association, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 207K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blackgap soils and Rock outcrop, 3 to 45 percent slopes | 206K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ector-Upton association, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 180K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sanderson-Upton complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 180K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lozier soils | 86K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reagan silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 63K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Upton-Reagan-Lozier association | 61K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lozier-Upton association | 55K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dev-Iraan association, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 33K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upton soils | 28K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glendale soils | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upton very gravelly soils | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gila soils | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Badland | 5K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Riverwash | 4K | A | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Dalby clay | 2K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 687 | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Pits, gravel | 8 | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Pits, quarry | 6 | D | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 83% 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 87% 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.