San German Area, Southwestern Puerto Rico
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 San German Area, Southwestern Puerto Rico.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban land | 15K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Caguabo clay loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Descalabrado clay, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| El Cacique-La Taina complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mucara loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pitahaya-Limestone outcrop-Seboruco complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fraternidad clay, 0 to 2 perecent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Malaya clay, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| San German-Duey complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Costa-Pitahaya complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Descalabrado clay, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toa clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aguirre clay, occasionally ponded, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guanica clay, occasionally ponded, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coloso clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Altamira gravelly clay, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mucara loam, 40 to 60 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quebrada clay loam, 40 to 60 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manglillo, Boqueron and Serrano soils, very frequently flooded | 3K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Agueybana clay, 12 to 60 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% 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 84% 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.