De Baca County Soil Data
De Baca County, New Mexico
Avg pH
7.6
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.2%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in De Baca County, New Mexico
Highly Alkaline Sandy Profiles
De Baca’s soil pH of 7.63 is significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile requires specific plant choices that can tolerate high-calcium environments.
Sand-Dominant River Soils
A high sand content of 58.9% defines the local texture, balanced by 20.8% silt and 16.9% clay. This mix allows for easy tilling but may require frequent watering to keep plants hydrated.
Competitive Water Storage
Organic matter sits at 1.25%, just under the state average, but the available water capacity of 0.131 in/in is higher than the state benchmark. This means the soil is surprisingly good at holding moisture for its sandy nature.
Challenging Infiltration Rates
Despite the sandy texture, the county falls into Hydrologic Group D, suggesting slow overall infiltration. Careful irrigation management is necessary to avoid surface runoff or ponding on the flats.
Sun-Loving Crops Flourish
In Zone 7a, sun-loving crops like melons and peppers thrive in these sandy, warm soils. Amend your soil with compost to boost that 1.25% organic matter and watch your garden take off.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does De Baca County have?
De Baca County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 59% sand, 21% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is De Baca County's soil acidic or alkaline?
De Baca County's soil has a pH of 7.6, which is mildly to moderately alkaline. Sulfur amendments can lower pH if needed.
What is the drainage class for De Baca County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for De Baca County.
What crops or plants grow well in De Baca County's soil?
Based on De Baca County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 7.6, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in De Baca County?
The dominant USDA soil order for De Baca County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for De Baca County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in New Mexico
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.