Carson National Forest, New Mexico, Part of Rio Arriba County

Survey Area NM672• New Mexico

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Carson National Forest, New Mexico, Part of Rio Arriba County. 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
Vibo-Arriba families complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes	54K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Haplustalfs, Haplustepts, Ustorthents, and Rock outcrop soils, mesic, dry, 15 to 80 percent slopes, very stony	46K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ligocki-Jemco families complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Elbuck-Fortlewis families complex, warm, 0 to 15 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Typic Calciustepts-Typic Haplustalfs complex, mesic, 15 to 80 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Calaveras family gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Abreu-Lobat families complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Elbuck family, warm, Udic Haplustepts, dry, low elev., and Typic Ustorthents soils, frigid, 15 to 80 percent slopes, bouldery	23K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Elbuck family, warm, Fortlewis family, warm, and Lithic Ustorthents, frigid, dry soils, 0 to 40 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lobat family loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Elbuck-Laventana families complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Pachic Haplustolls, Calcic Udic Haplustepts, dry, and Aquic Haplustolls soils, frigid, 0 to 40 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Quintana family sandy loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tusas-Cisneros families complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Typic Haplustalfs-Udic Haplustepts, complex, frigid, dry, 15 to 40 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Vibo family-Arriba family, dry complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Loghouse family very gravelly sandy loam, dry, 15 to 40 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Elbuck-Fortlewis families gravelly loams, warm, 0 to 15 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Derecho-Rocio families complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Owlcreek-Presa families association, eroded, 0 to 15 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

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 52% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 100% 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.