Bent County, Colorado
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.