Bent County, Colorado

Survey Area CO011• 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 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 Bent 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
Wilid silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	87K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Travessilla-Olney sandy loam, 1 to 9 percent slopes	74K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Travessilla sandy loam, 1 to 9 percent slopes	53K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wilid silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, dry	52K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Manvel silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	39K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Manvel silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, dry	34K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Deertrail clay loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Not limited
Minnequa loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bacid silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kimera loam, dry, 0 to 4 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Fort loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Bacid silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, dry	25K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Minnequa loam, dry, 1 to 5 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Rocky Ford clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Valent sand, 1 to 12 percent slopes, dry	19K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Valent sand, 9 to 20 percent slopes, dry	18K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Manzanola clay loam, dry, 0 to 3 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Penrose-Minnequa complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rocky Ford clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Penrose channery loam, 1 to 15 percent slopes	17K	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.

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 30% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 70% 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.