Harding County, New Mexico

Survey Area NM021• New Mexico

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Harding County, New Mexico. 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
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

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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

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

Aridisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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.