Colfax County, New Mexico
The most common soil here is Colmor, on about 9% of the land. Philmont and Fuera come next.
About 97% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 90% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 63% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 49% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Colfax County, New Mexico, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% 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 90% 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.