Sierra County Area, New Mexico

Survey Area NM660• 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 Sierra 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
Nickel very gravelly fine sandy loam, very steep	227K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Luzena-Rock outcrop association, very steep	186K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Delnorte-Cave-Tencee complex, moderately rolling	156K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Simona loamy fine sand, gently sloping	90K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nickel-Chamberino association, gently sloping	76K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Dona Ana-Tres Hermanos association, gently sloping	73K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Rock outcrop-Luzena association, extremely steep	70K		D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Torriorthents association, extremely steep	66K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Stellar-Continental association, gently sloping	59K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Nickel-Tencee-Delnorte complex, moderately sloping	49K	Well drained	D	Not limited	Very limited
Scholle-Ildefonso association, moderately rolling	44K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Tres Hermanos-Hap association, gently sloping	39K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Not limited
Wink-Dona Ana association, gently sloping	39K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Ildefonso-Scholle association, hilly	39K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Elbutte-Courthouse complex, moderately rolling	38K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Berino-Dona Ana association, gently sloping	37K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Rock outcrop-Deama association, extremely steep	35K		D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Courthouse complex, extremely steep	30K		D	Very limited	Very limited
Tres Hermanos gravelly fine sandy loam, gently sloping	28K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Reakor-Dona Ana association, gently sloping	27K	Well drained	C	Somewhat 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.

Mollisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 70% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 79% 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.