Tucumcari Area, Northern Quay County, New Mexico
The most common soil here is Quay, on about 9% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Latom and Dallam come next.
About 91% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 49% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 31% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 21% 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 Tucumcari Area, Northern Quay County, 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 B (moderate infiltration). 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 Tucumcari Area, Northern Quay County, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quay loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 115K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rock land | 98K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Ima sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 80K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Montoya clay loam | 78K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lacita silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 75K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dallam fine sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Redona fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Latom stony sandy loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tivoli fine sand | 39K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dallam loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tucumcari clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latom-Rock outcrop complex, steep | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amarillo loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Amarillo fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| San Jon loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Los Tanos sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| La Lande loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dune land | 21K | Excessively drained | Somewhat limited | Very limited | |
| Gallegos very gravelly loam, 9 to 25 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bascom-Potter loams, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not 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 31% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 49% 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.