Sierra County Area, New Mexico
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 Sierra County Area, New Mexico.
| 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 |
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.