Lea 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 Lea County, New Mexico.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kimbrough-Lea complex, dry, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 571K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pyote and Maljamar fine sands | 344K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Not limited |
| Kimbrough gravelly loam, dry, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 177K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kermit soils and Dune land, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 142K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kimbrough-Lea complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 139K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pyote soils and Dune land | 88K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Berino-Cacique loamy fine sands association | 86K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Simona-Upton association | 77K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kermit-Palomas fine sands, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 75K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Simona fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 75K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stegall loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 60K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Portales-Stegall loams | 51K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tonuco loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 50K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ratliff-Wink fine sandy loams | 49K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kimbrough gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brownfield and Patricia fine sands, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lea loam | 40K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Jalmar-Elida complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pyote loamy fine sand | 38K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Amarillo loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 51% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include soil stability or depth limitations. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 69% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.