Torrance Area, New Mexico
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Torrance Area, New Mexico.
| 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 |
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.