Grant County, New Mexico, Central and Southern Parts

Survey Area NM662• New Mexico

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.

Mollisols

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

Aridisols

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

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 74% 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 97% 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.