Los Alamos County Soil Data

Los Alamos County, New Mexico

Avg pH

N/A

Texture

Unknown

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

N/A

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Los Alamos County, New Mexico

Volcanic Plateau Soils

Set atop volcanic plateaus, Los Alamos soil is unique, though specific taxonomic and pH data are currently unavailable. Most regional soils trend alkaline compared to the national median of 6.5.

Ash and Tuff Bases

The geology of the Pajarito Plateau suggests soils heavily influenced by volcanic ash and tuff rather than standard sand and clay. This creates a distinct mineral profile for high-altitude plants.

Enriching the Plateau

Organic matter data is missing, but the high elevation typically necessitates significant amendments to reach the state average of 1.27%. Heavy mulching helps protect the soil from the intense mountain sun.

Effective Mesa Drainage

Water movement is often rapid across the mesas, though specific hydrologic groups are not cataloged here. Site-specific drainage solutions are important to manage water on steep canyon edges.

Mountain Bounty in Zone 7b

Zone 7b allows for a vibrant summer garden of tomatoes, peppers, and hardy herbs. The intense high-altitude sun means you should pair your soil with a robust irrigation plan for best results.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Los Alamos County have?

Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos County's soil acidic or alkaline?

pH data is not available for Los Alamos County.

What is the drainage class for Los Alamos County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Los Alamos County.

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

Based on Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Los Alamos 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.