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Bernalillo County Soil Data

Bernalillo County, New Mexico

USDA SSURGO / PHZM

Avg pH

N/A

Texture

Unknown

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

N/A

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Bernalillo County, New Mexico

A Diverse Desert Profile

While specific taxonomic data for Bernalillo remains unmapped in this set, the region typically balances urban development and river valley textures. Local gardeners should expect alkaline conditions that likely exceed the national median pH of 6.5.

Mixed Textures in the Valley

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are currently unrecorded for the county as a whole. This lack of data makes site-specific testing essential for determining if your soil drains quickly or holds onto moisture.

Localized Growing Potential

Organic matter and water capacity figures are missing compared to the 1.27% state average. Enhancing the soil with compost is a standard practice to improve the nutrient retention in these arid environments.

Navigating Arid Water Flow

There is no dominant drainage class recorded for the county, though the Rio Grande influences local hydrology significantly. Understanding your specific plot's elevation is the first step in managing irrigation.

Thriving in High Desert Heat

Hardiness Zone 7b provides a long growing season for heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers. With proper soil amendments and water, this climate supports beautiful xeric landscapes and productive home gardens.

Soil Composition

Composition data not available for this county.

Soil pH

pH data not available for this county.

Soil Series

Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.

Hydrologic Group

Hydrologic group data not available.

Drainage Class

Drainage class data not available.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Unknown

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Soil Amendment Products

Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.

Browse Soil Amendments

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Bernalillo County have?

Bernalillo County's soil is classified as Unknown. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — sand percentage unavailable, silt percentage unavailable, and clay percentage unavailable. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.

Is Bernalillo County's soil acidic or alkaline?

pH data is not available for Bernalillo County.

What is the drainage class for Bernalillo County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Bernalillo County.

What crops or plants grow well in Bernalillo County's soil?

Based on Bernalillo County's Unknown texture, soil pH, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for a variety of crops depending on local conditions.

What USDA soil order is found in Bernalillo County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Bernalillo County is not currently available in our dataset.

Soil & Planting Advisory: Bernalillo County

Soil Verdict

Bernalillo County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.

Planting Guidance

Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.

Soil Implications

Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture.

Regional Context

Bernalillo County closely matches the New Mexico average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7a-8a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.

Other Counties in New Mexico

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.