Yuma County, Colorado
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Yuma County, Colorado.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valent sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 248K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Valent sand, rolling | 228K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kuma-Keith silt loams | 158K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Colby silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 87K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Haxtun loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 82K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Haxtun sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 69K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Julesburg loamy sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Julesburg loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 52K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Platner loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Canyon-Rock outcrop complex, 9 to 25 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colby silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Colby-Torriorthents complex, gullied, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rago loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Manter loamy sand | 35K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Manter sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Valent sand, hilly | 23K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bankard sand | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vona loamy sand | 12K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Manter sandy loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Bayard fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 26% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 76% 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
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.