Hidalgo County, New Mexico
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 Hidalgo County, New Mexico.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rough broken land and Rock land | 303K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Lehmans extremely rocky loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 213K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nickel gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 129K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Upton gravelly loam, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 127K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mohave sandy clay loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 122K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rock land | 113K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eba very gravelly loam, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 98K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Stellar sandy clay loam | 89K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hondale soils | 83K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tres Hermanos gravelly clay loam | 64K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sonoita-Yturbide complex | 47K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Forrest gravelly loam | 45K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lehmans-Nickel association, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jal loam | 40K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Verhalen silty clay loam | 37K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rough broken land | 37K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mimbres and Glendale silty clay loams | 34K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eba-Nickel complex, 10 to 60 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berino loamy sand, hummocky | 29K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mohave sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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.