Arecibo Area, Puerto Rico Northern Part
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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.