Mora County Area, New Mexico

Survey Area NM638• 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 Mora County 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
Onava-Carnero-Porvenir complex, plateau interfluves - MLRA 70A.1	77K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Capulin-Charette-Ayon association, gently sloping	64K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Sombordoro-Rock outcrop-Tuloso complex, very steep	54K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Porvenir-Carnero-Rock outcrop complex, plateau margins- MLRA 70A.1	50K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Colmor loam, interfluve summits - MLRA70A.1	44K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Eutroboralfs-Rock outcrop-Vamer complex, extremely steep	41K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Apache-Rock outcrop complex, moderately sloping	40K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Crews-Tricon association, undulating	37K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Apache-Ayon complex, gently sloping	37K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dargol-Rocio-Vamer association, hilly	29K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Colmor-Onava complex, fan remnants - MLRA70A.1	25K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sombordoro-Rock outcrop-Tuloso complex, moderately sloping	25K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Apache-Rock outcrop-Ayon complex, moderately steep	24K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Litle-Mion complex, breaks - MLRA 70A.1	24K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Barela-Yankee association, gently sloping	24K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Dargol-Rocio-Vamer association, very steep	23K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Charette-Capulin association, gently undulating	23K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Haplustolls-Rock outcrop complex, extremely steep	23K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Firo-Rock outcrop complex, extremely steep	21K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Onava loam, interfluve summits - MLRA 70A.1	21K	Well drained	C	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.

Entisols

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

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 60% 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 90% 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.