Harding County, New Mexico
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 Harding County, New Mexico.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rough broken and stony land | 119K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Springer-Amarillo association | 95K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Vingo-Dallam complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dioxice loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tivoli fine sand | 47K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Travessilla stony loam, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amarillo fine sandy loam | 39K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Berthoud loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Travessilla stony loam, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Springer loamy fine sand, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| La Brier loam | 34K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dumas loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Carnero-Onava-Porvenir complex, plateau margins - MLRA 70A.1 | 28K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tucumcari-Quay association | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ima and Quay soils | 27K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kinkead clay loam | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mansker-Portales association, gently sloping | 23K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dean soils, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gallegos very gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 35 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Litle clay loam, interfluve shoulders - MLRA 70A.1 | 20K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 37% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 74% 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.