Ward County, Texas

Survey Area TX475• Texas

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Ward 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
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

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.

Vertisols

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

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.