Mescalero-Apache Area, New Mexico
The most common soil here is Peso, on about 30% of the land: a very cobbly clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Deama and Caballo come next.
About 88% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 95% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 82% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Mescalero-Apache Area, New Mexico, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Mescalero-Apache Area, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peso very cobbly clay loam, 12 to 55 percent slopes | 130K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deama very stony loam, 12 to 55 percent slopes | 70K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deama very stony loam, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock land | 25K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Peso-Caballo association, steep | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock land, cool | 23K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Caballo clay loam, 25 to 55 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arosa silty clay loam, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Remunda silty clay loam, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mescalero stony silty clay loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Firo-Stony land complex, 12 to 55 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blamer very stony loam, 12 to 55 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruidoso clay loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pena-Irock association, strongly sloping | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oro Grande-Rock land complex, 12 to 55 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Firo very stony loam, 12 to 55 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pinkel very cobbly loam, 12 to 55 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jarita-Remunda association, gently sloping | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shanta loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Brycan silty clay loam, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 95% 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.