Fort Bliss Military Reservation, New Mexico and Texas

Survey Area NM719• 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 Fort Bliss Military Reservation, New Mexico and Texas. 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
Copia-Nations complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes	112K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Mcnew-Copia-Foxtrot complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes	80K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Reyab silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	61K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Copia-Patriot complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes	47K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Bissett-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Jerag very fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	40K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Infantry-Sonic complex, 3 to 10 percent slopes	34K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Elizario-Copia complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hueco loamy fine sand, 1 to 3 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pendero fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes	29K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Altuda-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Reyab loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Foxtrot-Copia complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Jerag-Armesa complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Copia loamy fine sand, 5 to 15 percent slopes	26K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Bissett-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bissett-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mcnew-Copia complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Copia-Mcnew-Pendero complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes	20K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Crossen-Tinney complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes	20K	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.

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 46% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 68% 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.