Val Verde 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 Val Verde County, Texas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ector-Rock outcrop complex, moist, 10 to 60 percent slopes | 562K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ector-Rock outcrop complex, moist, 1 to 20 percent slopes | 364K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Langtry-Rock outcrop association, rolling | 171K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Langtry-Rock outcrop association, very steep | 103K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Olmos very cobbly loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 86K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zorra-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 82K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dev very gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 80K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lozier-Shumla association, undulating | 65K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amistad association, rolling | 52K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Acuna silty clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 40K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Amistad very flaggy clay loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tarrant soils, dry, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mariscal-Lozier association, very steep | 34K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Langtry very cobbly silt loam, very rocky, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zorra-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Felipe and Zorra soils, very rocky, 8 to 40 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rio Diablo silty clay, rarely flooded | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zorra-Rock outcrop association, rolling | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valverde silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% 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 94% 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.