Ward County, Texas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Ward County, Texas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pyote soils, undulating | 137K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Delnorte gravelly soils, undulating | 99K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCarran soils, nearly level | 52K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wickett and Sharvana soils, gently undulating | 50K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sharvana soils, nearly level | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kermit-Dune land association, hummocky | 31K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Monahans fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ima fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Upton gravelly soils, gently undulating | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arno clay | 15K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hodgins clay loam | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kinco fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Gila fine sandy loam | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Toyah clay loam | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pecos silty clay | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wickett and Sharvana fine sandy loams, gently sloping | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Los Tanos-Courthouse association | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harkey loam | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 1K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Patrole very fine sandy loam | 1K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 50% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 58% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.