Val Verde County, Texas

Survey Area TX465• 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 Val Verde 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, 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

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.

Entisols

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

Aridisols

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

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

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.