Ponce Area, Puerto Rico Southern Part

Survey Area PR688• Puerto Rico

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
Callabo silty clay loam, 40 to 60 percent slopes	29K	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	17K	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	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Callabo silty clay loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land	9K			Not rated	Not rated
Maricao clay, 20 to 60 percent slopes	9K	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	7K	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
San Anton clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	6K	Well drained	C	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.

Mollisols

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

Vertisols

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

Ultisols

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

Entisols

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

Oxisols

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

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 96% 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.