Zapata County, Texas
The most common soil here is Hebbronville, on about 17% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Brennan and Maverick come next.
About 77% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 42% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 34% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 20% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Zapata County, Texas, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Zapata 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hebbronville loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 125K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Brennan fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 73K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Maverick soils, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aguilares fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Copita fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Comitas loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Brundage fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 32K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Veleno clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 31K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catarina clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 21K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Tela sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maverick-Catarina complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nueces-Sarita complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Area not surveyed, access denied | 16K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Falfurrias fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Garceno clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Escobas fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Brennan-Gullied land-Maverick association, 1 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Viboras clay, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nido-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 34% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 42% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.