Socorro County Area, New Mexico
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Socorro County Area, New Mexico.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel-Caliza very gravelly sandy loams, 1 to 30 percent slopes | 203K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Whitlock-Pajarito-Nations complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 115K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Millett-Sedillo complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 114K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Abrazo-Motoqua, cool-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 50 percent slopes | 91K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nolam gravelly sandy loam, 1 to 7 percent slopes | 76K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Harvey-La Fonda association, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 74K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Puertecito-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 55 percent slopes | 69K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harvey-Dean association, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 63K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cascajo very gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 63K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bluepoint loamy fine sand, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 60K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lapdun-Datil association, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 59K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lithic Haplocambids-Lava flows-Armendaris complex, 0 to 65 percent slopes | 58K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Turney loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Deama-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 40 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guy-Dioxice-Pena association, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 52K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Turney loamy sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Puice-Tanbark-Harvey association, 1 to 25 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berino-Dona Ana association, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Winona-Tanbark-La Fonda complex, 1 to 20 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clovis-Penistaja association, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 33% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 47% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.