Union County, 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 Union County, New Mexico.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travessilla-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 227K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Travessilla-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 165K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torreon silty clay loam | 157K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gruver loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 144K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Spurlock loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 119K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ayon-Apache association | 114K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gruver loam, cool, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 96K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dallam fine sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 78K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kim-Manzano association | 78K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| La Brier silty clay loam | 73K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spurlock-Plack loams, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rickmore sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vingo-Dallam complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Carnero-Onava-Porvenir complex, plateau margins - MLRA 70A.1 | 55K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Capulin-Apache complex | 55K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Onava-Carnero-Porvenir complex, plateau interfluves - MLRA 70A.1 | 53K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dallam loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Manzano loam | 43K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Porvenir-Carnero-Rock outcrop complex, plateau margins- MLRA 70A.1 | 38K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spurlock loamy sand, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 34% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 70% 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.