Terrell County, Texas

Survey Area TX443• 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 Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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. 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-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

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.

Aridisols

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

Mollisols

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

Entisols

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

Vertisols

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

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.