Pueblo Area, Colorado, Parts of Pueblo and Custer Counties
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Pueblo Area, Colorado, Parts of Pueblo and Custer Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manvel silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, dry | 141K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Minnequa-Manvel silt loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes, dry | 98K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Penrose-Midway-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 45 percent slopes | 74K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manvel silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 71K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Penrose-Minnequa complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 62K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valent sand, 1 to 12 percent slopes, dry | 54K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Penrose-Minnequa complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes, dry | 53K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilid silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, dry | 51K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Midway, dry- Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 20 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Almagre-Villedry complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Olney sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Razor silty clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes, eroded | 43K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Travessilla sandy loam, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Limon silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cascajo very gravelly sandy loam, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 26K | Excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nunn clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vonid loamy sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 26K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Heldt silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haversid silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manzanola silty clay loam, dry, saline, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 39% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 71% 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.