Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

Survey Area NM780• New Mexico

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 Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico. 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
Lechuguilla-Rock outcrop-Kimrose complex, 10 to 70 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Queen-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kimrose-Bascal complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Rock outcrop-Biduya-Sacahuista complex, 30 to 120 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sacahuista-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Queen-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 25 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dunaway-Riverwash-Bascal complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes	3K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Ustic Haplocalcids, 1 to 5 percent slopes	433	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Mudgetts very fine sandy loam, 1 to 10 percent slopes	216	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Elcor gravelly loam, 3 to 10 percent slopes	113	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hodgins-Fluventic Aquicambids complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, flooded	42	Moderately well drained	B	Very 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 87% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 87% 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.