Guadalupe County Soil Data

Guadalupe County, New Mexico

Avg pH

7.5

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

1.4%

Hydrologic Group

D

Data Story

About Soil in Guadalupe County, New Mexico

Alkaline Plains Profile

With a pH of 7.54, the soil is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This level sits just above the New Mexico state average of 7.48, requiring plants that can tolerate basic conditions.

A Sandy Foundation

The soil consists of 51.4% sand and 16.9% clay, creating a coarse texture that facilitates rapid water movement. This high sand content helps prevent root rot but often requires more frequent irrigation.

Leading the State Average

Organic matter stands at 1.35%, which beats the state average of 1.27% but lags behind the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.142 in/in provides a solid foundation for plant resilience.

Monitoring Surface Runoff

Classified in Hydrologic Group D, this soil poses challenges for drainage during heavy rains due to low-permeability layers. You must monitor for surface runoff during the intense monsoon season.

Summer Crops in Zone 7a

Gardeners in Hardiness Zone 7a can find success with drought-resistant natives and hardy vegetables like squash and beans. Start your garden by adding organic matter to improve moisture retention.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 51.4%
Silt: 28.5%
Clay: 16.9%
Loam

Soil pH

7.5pH
7.53857421875
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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.

Runoff potential:High

Drainage Class

Drainage class data not available.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Loam

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Guadalupe County have?

Guadalupe County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 51% sand, 28% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Guadalupe County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Guadalupe County's soil has a pH of 7.5, which is mildly to moderately alkaline. Sulfur amendments can lower pH if needed.

What is the drainage class for Guadalupe County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Guadalupe County.

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

Based on Guadalupe County's Loam texture, pH of 7.5, 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 Guadalupe County?

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

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.