San Juan County, New Mexico, Eastern Part
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 San Juan County, New Mexico, Eastern Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badland | 247K | Somewhat excessively drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Blancot-Notal association, gently sloping | 225K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rock outcrop-Travessilla-Weska complex, extremely steep | 187K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sheppard-Huerfano-Notal complex, gently sloping | 180K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fruitland-Persayo-Sheppard complex, hilly | 177K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Doak-Sheppard-Shiprock association, rolling | 153K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sheppard-Mayqueen-Shiprock complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 107K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Farb-Persayo-Rock outcrop complex, moderately steep | 68K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Travessilla-Weska-Rock outcrop complex, moderately steep | 67K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haplargids-Blackston-Torriorthents complex, very steep | 63K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Badland-Monierco-Rock outcrop complex, moderately steep | 61K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gypsiorthids-Badland-Stumble complex, moderately steep | 48K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shiprock fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Huerfano-Muff-Uffens complex, gently sloping | 44K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Doak-Avalon association, gently sloping | 39K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Badland-Rock outcrop-Persayo complex, extremely steep | 39K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Rock outcrop | 34K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Riverwash | 32K | Poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Shiprock fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Stumble-Fruitland association, gently sloping | 24K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 64% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 84% 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.