Curry County and Southwest Part of Quay County, New Mexico

Survey Area NM669• New Mexico

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Curry County and Southwest Part of Quay 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
Olton clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	296K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Acuff loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	281K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Amarillo fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	162K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Sparks loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	93K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Amarillo loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	56K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Estacado loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	51K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Acuff loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Estacado loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	38K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Spantara fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Kimberson gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pep loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Posey fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Pep loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Posey fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Olton clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bippus clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	14K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Potter-Mobeetie association, 8 to 45 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Amarillo fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Milsand and Arch soils, 1 to 20 percent slopes	12K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Regnier-Rock outcrop-Lacoca complex, 30 to 80 percent slopes	12K	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.

Alfisols

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

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

About 39% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

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.