Baca County, Colorado

Survey Area CO009• Colorado

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Baca County, Colorado. 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
Baca silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	293K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Campo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	155K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Wiley loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	143K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Manter-Vona sandy loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes	117K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Wiley loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	87K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Otero sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	69K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Vona loamy sand, warm, 0 to 3 percent slopes	51K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Ascalon sandy loam, 0 to1 percent slopes	47K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Fort Collins loam, warm, 1 to 3 percent slopes	46K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Minnequa-Manvel complex	46K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Travessilla-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 25 percent slopes	42K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wages loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Otero sandy loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	30K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Bankard sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes, moist, frequently flooded	29K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Richfield silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Harvey loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Wiley loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Rough stony land	22K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Potter gravelly loam	22K	Well drained	D	Not limited	Very limited
Gravelly land	22K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat 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.

Alfisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Mollisols

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

Entisols

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

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

About 52% 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.