Pueblo Area, Colorado, Parts of Pueblo and Custer Counties

Survey Area CO626• Colorado

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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. 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
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

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.

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.

Mollisols

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

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.