San Miguel County Area, New Mexico

Survey Area NM630• 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 San Miguel 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
Latom-Newkirk-Rock outcrop association, rolling	233K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tuloso-Sombordoro-Rock outcrop complex, moderately sloping	232K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tuloso-Rock outcrop-Sombordoro association, steep	178K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
La Lande-Redona association, undulating	163K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ustorthents-Rock outcrop complex, very steep	162K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Redona-Quay association, undulating	153K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Conchas-Latom association, undulating	135K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Newkirk-Walkon-Conchas association, undulating	121K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Torriorthents complex, very steep	121K		D	Very limited	Very limited
Crews-Tricon association, undulating	83K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vibo-Ribera association, undulating	82K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Carnero-Onava-Porvenir complex, plateau margins - MLRA 70A.1	76K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Montoya-Tucumcari association,gently sloping	64K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Partri-Tricon association, undulating	57K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Porvenir-Carnero-Rock outcrop complex, plateau margins- MLRA 70A.1	56K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tapia-Dean association, undulating	51K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Vibo-Rock outcrop complex, undulating	45K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Onava loam, interfluve summits - MLRA 70A.1	45K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Laporte-Rock outcrop complex, steep	45K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Badland	43K			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.

Mollisols

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

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

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

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 74% 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 82% 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.