Otero 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 Otero County, Colorado.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnequa-Manvel silt loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes, dry | 119K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Manvel silt loam, dry, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 83K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Penrose channery loam, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 64K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tyrone silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Not limited |
| Manzanola silty clay loam, dry, saline, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fort loam, dry, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kimera-Fort loams, dry, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vonid sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes, dry | 30K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Travessilla sandy loam, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minnequa-Wilid silt loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Razor silty clay, dry, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minnequa loam, dry, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shingle loam, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kimera loam, dry, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Oterodry sandy loam, dry, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Travessilla-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Olney sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, dry | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Rocky Ford silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Valent sand, 1 to 12 percent slopes, dry | 12K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Limon silty clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 23% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 61% 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.