Bent County, Colorado
The most common soil here is Wilid, on about 14% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Manvel and Travessilla come next.
About 95% of the land drains well, and 3% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 2% of it.
USDA rates 63% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 30% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 26% 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 Bent County, Colorado, 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 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.
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 63% 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.