Many locations in New Mexico have soils with layers of caliche either on or under the surface. Caliche is a layer where soil particles have been cemented together by carbonates of calcium or magnesium.
Caliche is usually light-colored, and can occur as soft thin layers or hard thick beds.
There may be more than one layer of caliche in any one location. The caliche layer can reduce water penetration, causing inadequate root aeration and salt accumulation in the soil surface. Both conditions reduce the vigor of growing plants. The caliche layer can reduce root penetration, restricting normal root development. This restricts the plant's ability to use soil nutrients and water.