Mayaguez Area, Puerto Rico Western Part

Survey Area PR684• Puerto Rico

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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. 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
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

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.

Mollisols

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

Ultisols

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

Inceptisols

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

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.

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.