Mora County Area, 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 Mora County Area, New Mexico.
| 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 |
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.