Zapata County, Texas

Survey Area TX505• 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 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.

Inceptisols

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

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Vertisols

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

Entisols

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

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 33% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 39% 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.