Dona Ana County Area, New Mexico
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 Dona Ana County Area, New Mexico.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wink-Pintura complex | 188K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Wink-Harrisburg association | 144K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Torriorthents association MLRA 42 | 105K | C | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Bluepoint-Caliza-Yturbide complex | 96K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Simona-Harrisburg association | 92K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Onite-Pajarito association | 92K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Akela-Rock outcrop complex | 88K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berino-Bucklebar association | 81K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tencee-Upton association | 79K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nickel-Upton association | 79K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berino-Pintura complex | 62K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rock outcrop-Argids association | 62K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Motoqua-Rock outcrop association | 59K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Onite-Pintura complex | 56K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Dona Ana-Reagan association | 52K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nickel-Badland complex | 50K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Masonfort-Nickel association | 49K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berino-Dona Ana association | 44K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cacique-Cruces association | 43K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aftaden-Rock outcrop association | 42K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 37% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 56% 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.