Chaves County, New Mexico, Southern Part
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Chaves County, New Mexico, Southern Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ector-Rock outcrop complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 271K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deama-Rock outcrop complex | 175K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ector-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 158K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reakor loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 102K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Roswell-Jalmar complex | 99K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lozier-Tencee complex | 87K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reakor-Pecos association | 76K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tencee-Upton complex | 73K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reakor loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 65K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pecos-Dev association | 62K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upton-Atoka association | 54K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tencee-Sotim association | 50K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tencee gravelly sandy loam | 47K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Simona fine sandy loam | 45K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sotim fine sandy loam | 40K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kimbrough-Stegall-Slaughter complex | 39K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berino-Cacique association | 39K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Faskin-Roswell complex | 35K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holloman-Gypsum land complex, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 30K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Holloman-Gypsum land complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 67% 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 97% 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.