Torrance Area, New Mexico

Survey Area NM674• 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 Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 Torrance 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
Harvey loam, 1 to 9 percent slopes	112K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Tapia-Dean loams, 0 to 5 percent slopes	109K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Harvey-Dean loams, 1 to 9 percent slopes	105K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Witt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes	104K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pinon channery loam, 3 to 20 percent slopes	91K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Clovis loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes	89K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Penistaja fine sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes	81K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Otero and Palma soils	69K	Somewhat excessively drained	C	Not limited	Not limited
Willard loam, strongly saline	56K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Dean loam, 1 to 9 percent slopes	52K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
La Fonda loam, 1 to 9 percent slopes	52K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Tapia loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes	51K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Laporte-Rock outcrop complex	51K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kim-Pastura-Tapia loams	49K	Well drained	D	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Steep rock land	49K			Very limited	Very limited
Witt clay loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, eroded	48K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Hagerman-Dean complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes	45K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hagerman fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	44K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Willard loam	43K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bernal-Travessilla fine sandy loams	39K	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.

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.

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 23% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 57% 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.