Eddy Area, New Mexico
The most common soil here is Reagan, on about 16% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Ector and Upton come next.
About 91% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 66% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 51% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 20% 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 Eddy Area, 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 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 51% 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 66% 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.