Arecibo Area, Puerto Rico Northern Part

Survey Area PR682• Puerto Rico

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Arecibo Area, Puerto Rico Northern Part. 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
Rock outcrop-Tanama complex, 12 to 60 percent slopes	59K			Very limited	Very limited
Soller-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 60 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pellejas clay loam, 40 to 60 percent slopes	25K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
San Sebastian gravelly clay, 20 to 60 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Humatas clay, 40 to 60 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lirios clay loam, 40 to 60 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Mucara clay, 40 to 60 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bayamon clay, 2 to 5 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Morado clay loam, 40 to 60 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Colinas cobbly clay loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Los Guineos clay, 40 to 60 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Toa silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Coloso silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Colinas clay loam, 40 to 60 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Maraguez silty clay loam, 40 to 60 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Almirante clay, 2 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Bayamon sandy clay loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Los Guineos-Maricao-Rock outcrop association, steep	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bayamon sandy loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Urban land	5K			Not rated	Not rated

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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Oxisols

Deeply weathered tropical soils. Nutrient-poor despite appearing lush. Rare in the continental US.

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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 92% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 89% 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.