Mescalero-Apache Area, 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 Mescalero-Apache Area, New Mexico.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 98% 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 99% 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.