El Paso County Area, Colorado

Survey Area CO625• Colorado

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 El Paso County Area, 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
Blakeland loamy sand, 1 to 9 percent slopes	73K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Truckton sandy loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes	73K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Valent sand, 1 to 12 percent slopes, dry	63K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Bresser sandy loam, cool, 3 to 5 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Olney sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	40K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Not limited
Ascalon sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Truckton sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Ascalon sandy loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Not limited
Columbine gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Ellicott loamy coarse sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	26K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Bresser sandy loam, cool, 0 to 3 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ustic Torrifluvents, loamy	24K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Wigton loamy sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes	23K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Bijou sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	22K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Midway-Razor clay loams, dry, 1 to 18 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vonid sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes	21K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Kettle gravelly loamy sand, 8 to 40 percent slopes	20K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Area not surveyed, access denied	20K			Not rated	Not rated
Pring coarse sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Not limited
Schamber-Razor complex, 8 to 50 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	A	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.

Mollisols

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

Aridisols

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

Alfisols

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

Entisols

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

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 41% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

Gardening & Agriculture

Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.