Santa Fe County Area, New Mexico
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Santa Fe County Area, New Mexico.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyer-Witt complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 64K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Arojomil-Tapia complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kech-Cerropelon-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 50 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Panky loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cerrillos-Sedillo complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Uva-Herrada complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cumacho fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tanoan-Encantado complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lazarus silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, flooded | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ojito-Koshare-Quarteles complex, 5 to 50 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Truehill extremely gravelly loam, 25 to 55 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pastura-Nala complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Khapo sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Encantado very cobbly sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bernal-Cueva complex, 10 to 50 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clovis loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Enmedio-Atalaya-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 60 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sipapu-Yuzarra-Kachina complex, 5 to 65 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pedregal very cobbly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harvey loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
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.