Otero County, Colorado

Survey Area CO089• 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 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 Otero 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
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

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.

Entisols

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

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.