Dona Ana County Area, New Mexico

Survey Area NM690• 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 Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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. 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
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

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.

Entisols

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

Aridisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

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.