Grant County, New Mexico, Central and Southern Parts
The most common soil here is Lonti, on about 11% of the land: a gravelly sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Luzena and Stellar come next.
About 97% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 77% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 1% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 49% 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 Grant County, New Mexico, Central and Southern Parts, 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 C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Grant County, New Mexico, Central and Southern Parts. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stellar-Mohave association, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 168K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luzena-Rock outcrop association, 10 to 35 percent slopes | 157K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lonti-Manzano association, 1 to 25 percent slopes | 114K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Muzzler-Rock outcrop association, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 106K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bucklebar-Sonoita-Continental association, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 89K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lonti-Ustorthents association, 5 to 60 percent slopes | 87K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Luzena association, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 69K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tres Hermanos-Upton complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nickel-Upton association, 2 to 15 percent slopes MLRA 42 | 58K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lithic Haplargids-Rock outcrop association, 15 to 75 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lonti gravelly loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Santana-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Muzzler association, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 41K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Stellar-Verhalen-Mimbres association, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lithic Haplustalfs, loamy-Skeletal, mixed, mesic-Lithic | 35K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boysag-Abrazo-Santana complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tres Hermanos gravelly sandy clay loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Orthents, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Lithic Ustorthents complex, 15 to 65 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Haplustalfs, fine, mixed, mesic-Lithic Haplustolls, loamy-Skeletal, mixed mesic complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 25K | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 77% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 98% 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.