Otero Area, New Mexico, Parts of Otero, Eddy and Chaves Counties
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 Otero Area, New Mexico, Parts of Otero, Eddy and Chaves Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock outcrop-Lozier complex, 20 to 65 percent slopes | 310K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reakor-Tome-Tencee association, gently sloping | 220K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Philder very fine sandy loam, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 133K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lozier-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 99K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tortugas cobbly loam, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 91K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ector-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 83K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tome silt loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 71K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pintura-Dona Ana complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 62K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Reyab-Armesa association, gently sloping | 56K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lozier-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alamogordo-Gypsum land complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Not limited |
| Nickel-Tencee association, strongly sloping | 39K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Holloman-Reeves association, nearly level | 38K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deama-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 150 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pena-Cale-Kerrick association, nearly level | 36K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tencee very gravelly silt loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montecito loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dye-Encierro complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nasa-Yesum complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aztec-Rock outcrop-Lozier complex, 20 to 65 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. 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.