Wharton County, Texas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Wharton County, Texas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Charles clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 162K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edna loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 96K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brazoria clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 55K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dacosta sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 52K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bernard-Edna complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 47K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nada-Telf complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 45K | Moderately well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nada-Cieno frequently ponded complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Telf fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Norwood loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pledger clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edna-Cieno frequently ponded complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bernard loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kuy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clemville silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tidehaven fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Asa silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Inez fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Midfield loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Telf fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Texana-Cieno frequently ponded complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 81% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 98% 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.