Ponce Area, Puerto Rico Southern Part
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.