Rio Arriba Area, New Mexico, Parts of Rio Arriba and Sandoval Counties

Survey Area NM650• 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 Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Rio Arriba Area, New Mexico, Parts of Rio Arriba and Sandoval Counties. 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
Vessilla-Menefee-Orlie complex, 1 to 30 percent slopes	169K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Vessilla-Menefee complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	104K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Orlie fine sandy loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes	99K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Florita-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	93K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Tinaja-Rock outcrop complex, 45 to 75 percent slopes	58K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Pinitos-Menefee-Vessilla complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes	48K	Well drained	D	Not limited	Very limited
Lobat-Abreu gravelly loams, 15 to 60 percent slopes	47K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Berryman-Ruson association, 1 to 8 percent slopes	42K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Nabor-Elbuck complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes	41K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sparank-San Mateo silt loams, saline, sodic, 0 to 3 percent slopes	35K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Elpedro silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pinavetes-Florita complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Rombo-Wiggler complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Saragote-Ess complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Menefee-Vessilla-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hogg-Mara loams, 2 to 12 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Angostura-Gromes complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Orlie-Nalivag loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Parida-Palacid very gravelly sandy loams, 10 to 40 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Roques-Nusmag clay loams, 1 to 8 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	D	Very 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.

Entisols

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

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 72% 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 100% 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.