Guadalupe County Soil Data
Guadalupe County, New Mexico
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Alkaline Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 7.5. These products help acidify soil for better nutrient uptake.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Guadalupe County
Soil Verdict
Guadalupe County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°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. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Guadalupe County closely matches the New Mexico average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Guadalupe 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.