Taos County and Parts of Rio Arriba and Mora Counties, New Mexico

Survey Area NM670• New Mexico

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Taos County and Parts of Rio Arriba and Mora Counties, 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
Luhon-Travelers, extremely stony complex, 1 to 9 percent slopes	78K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Stunner-Travelers, extremely stony-Luhon association, 2 to 8 percent slopes	53K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Fernando-Hernandez association, 1 to 5 percent slopes	50K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Jaroso-Angostura-Mascarenas complex, 40 to 80 percent slopes	48K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Marosa-Nambe association, moderately steep	45K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Orthents-Haplocalcids association, 10 to 80 percent slopes	45K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Nambe cobbly loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes	45K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Raton, very stony complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	44K			Not rated	Not rated
Marosa-Rock outcrop complex, very steep	43K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Servilleta-Prieta, very stony complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes	34K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Ustorthents complex, very steep	34K	Well drained		Not rated	Very limited
Amalia-Manzano association, 3 to 50 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Nambe-Rock outcrop complex, very steep	29K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Maes-Etoe complex, very steep	29K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Montecito loam, 1 to 15 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Paleboralfs-Cryochrepts-Rock outcrop association, very steep	28K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Jaroso-Angostura-Mascarenas complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tenorio loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Not limited
Hernandez-Petaca, very stony association, 1 to 8 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Chimayo-Rock outcrop complex, very steep	25K	Well drained	D	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.

Alfisols

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

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Inceptisols

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

Mollisols

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

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 55% 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 90% 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.