Fort Bliss Military Reservation, New Mexico and Texas
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 Fort Bliss Military Reservation, New Mexico and Texas.
| 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 |
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.