Yuma County, Colorado
The most common soil here is Valent, on about 29% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Haxtun and Colby come next.
About 99% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 76% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 27% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 5% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Yuma County, Colorado, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Yuma 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 27% 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.