Grant County, New Mexico, Central and Southern Parts
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Grant County, New Mexico, Central and Southern Parts.
| 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 |
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.