Eddy Area, New Mexico

Survey Area NM614• 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 Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 Eddy 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
Reeves-Gypsum land complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	195K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Kermit-Berino fine sands, 0 to 3 percent slopes	195K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Reagan-Upton association, 0 to 9 percent slopes	189K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Ector stony loam, 0 to 9 percent slopes	182K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Reagan loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	145K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Ector extremely rocky loam, 9 to 25 percent slopes	141K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Berino complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, eroded	138K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Upton gravelly loam, 0 to 9 percent slopes	125K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Simona-Bippus complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	93K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ector-Reagan association, 0 to 9 percent slopes	88K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Upton-Reagan complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes	75K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Limestone rock land	62K			Not rated	Not rated
Gypsum land-Cottonwood complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	61K			Not rated	Not rated
Reagan loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	50K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Simona gravelly fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	45K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pajarito-Dune land complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	44K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Reeves-Reagan loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes	41K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Kimbrough-Stegall loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes	40K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dev-Pima complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	37K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Tonuco loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	36K	Excessively drained	D	Not 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.

Aridisols

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

Mollisols

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

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 53% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 65% 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.