Chaves County, New Mexico, Southern Part

Survey Area NM666• 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 Chaves County, New Mexico, Southern Part. 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
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

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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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.