Colfax County, New Mexico

Survey Area NM007• 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 Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Colfax County, 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
Fuera-Dargol-Vamer association, steep	317K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Midnight-Rombo-Rock outcrop complex	154K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Colmor loam, interfluve summits - MLRA70A.1	144K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Aridic Argiustolls-Rock outcrop association, steep	123K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Colmor-Onava complex, fan remnants - MLRA70A.1	99K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Philmont silt loam, plateau interfluves, gently sloping - MLRA 70A.1	76K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Capulin-Torreon association, moderately sloping	71K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Philmont silt loam, plateau interfluves, nearly level - MLRA 70A.1	71K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Dargol-Stout-Vamer association, sloping	69K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Litle-Mion complex, breaks - MLRA 70A.1	64K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Angostura-Tolby association, steep	57K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Deacon-La Brier-Manzano association, sloping	54K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Beaubien-Seelez complex, sand sheets - MLRA 70A.1	50K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Ponil-Vamer association, hilly	46K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bundo association, steep	42K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Raton-Barela complex	41K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Apache-Ayon complex, 1 to 9 percent slopes	39K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Burnac-Hillery association, sloping	38K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Gruver loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	37K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cypher-Bundo association, steep	34K	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.

Mollisols

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

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.

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 62% 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 92% 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.