Humacao Area, Puerto Rico Eastern Part

Survey Area PR689• Puerto Rico

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Humacao Area, Puerto Rico Eastern 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
Caguabo clay loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pandura loam, 40 to 60 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock land	16K			Very limited	Very limited
Descalabrado and Guayama soils, 20 to 60 percent slopes, eroded	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mucara silty clay loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes, eroded	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pandura loam, 12 to 40 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land	14K			Not rated	Not rated
Descalabrado-Rock land complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Not Public Information	13K			Not rated	Not rated
Rubble land-Pandura complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Los Guineos clay, 40 to 60 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tidal swamp	11K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Descalabrado clay loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Coloso silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Teja gravelly sandy loam, 12 to 40 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vieques loam, 12 to 40 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Sabana silty clay loam, 40 to 60 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sabana silty clay loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Naranjito silty clay loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Toa silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	6K	Well drained	B	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.

Inceptisols

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

Ultisols

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

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Oxisols

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

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 89% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, 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.