Torrance Area, New Mexico
The most common soil here is Harvey, on about 9% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Witt and Dean come next.
About 94% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 61% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 32% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 26% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Torrance Area, New Mexico, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 32% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 61% 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.