Bernalillo County and Parts of Sandoval and Valencia Counties, New Mexico
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 Bernalillo County and Parts of Sandoval and Valencia Counties, New Mexico.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluepoint loamy fine sand, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 68K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bluepoint-Kokan association, hilly | 66K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Madurez-Wink associatin, gently sloping | 51K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Silver and Witt soils, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Laporte-Rock outcrop-Escabosa complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Orthids complex, 40 to 80 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madurez loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Penistaja-Bond association | 25K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Laporte complex, 30 to 80 percent slopes | 21K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Seis-Silver complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penistaja fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wink fine sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Tijeras gravelly fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Embudo-Tijeras complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gila-Hantz complex | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wink-Madurez association | 13K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Pajarito loamy fine sand, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Seis complex, 30 to 80 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Silver and Witt soils, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Penistaja loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
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 74% 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.