Mayaguez Area, Puerto Rico Western 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 Mayaguez Area, Puerto Rico Western Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limestone outcrop | 42K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Consumo clay, 40 to 60 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Humatas clay, 40 to 60 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Consumo clay, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Humatas clay, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caguabo clay loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Malaya clay, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Soller-Limestone rockland complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coto clay, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Colinas clay loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morado clay loam, 40 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| San Sebastian gravelly clay, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mucara clay, 40 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coloso silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tanama clay, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Humatas clay, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Daguey clay, 20 to 40 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Voladora silty clay, 20 to 40 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Soller-Limestone rockland complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% 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 93% 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.