Ponce Area, Puerto Rico Southern Part
The most common soil here is Callabo, on about 8% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Mucara and Aguilita come next.
About 57% of the land drains well, and 4% stays wet for long stretches.
USDA rates 66% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 63% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 28% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Ponce Area, Puerto Rico Southern Part, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Ponce Area, Puerto Rico Southern 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water >40 acres | 137K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Callabo silty clay loam, 40 to 60 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mucara silty clay, 40 to 60 percent slopes, eroded | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caguabo gravelly clay loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Humatas clay, 40 to 60 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aguilita gravelly clay loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quebrada silty clay loam, 40 to 60 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aguilita stony clay loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morado clay loam, 40 to 60 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Callabo silty clay loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Maricao clay, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fraternidad clay, 2 to 5 perecent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caguabo-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tuque stony clay loam, 12 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Constancia silty clay | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Los Guineos-Maricao association, steep | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Llanos clay, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Jacaguas silty clay loam | 6K | Excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maraguez silty clay loam, 40 to 60 percent slopes | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% 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 66% 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.