Lower Sonoran Zone

region, New Mexico, United States

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June 30, 2026

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The Lower Sonoran Zone is a vegetation zone in New Mexico, typically found at elevations below 4,500 feet (1,400 meters) in the southern parts of the Rio Grande and Pecos valleys, and in the state's southwestern corner. This region covers approximately 20,000 square miles (52,000 square km) and is characterized by its suitability for grazing and irrigated farmland. It is considered the warmer part of the Sonoran life zone, adjacent to the Tropical zone. This zone is distinct from the Upper Sonoran Zone, which occupies higher elevations and features prairie grasses and piñon pines.12

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New Mexico
Plant and animal life
The Lower Sonoran Zone, in the southern sections of the Rio Grande and Pecos valleys and in the state’s southwestern corner, usually occurs at elevations below 4,500 feet (1,400 meters). It includes nearly 20,000 square miles (52,000 square km) of New Mexico’s best grazing area and…
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The Lower Sonoran Zone, in the southern sections of the Rio Grande and Pecos valleys and in the state’s southwestern corner, usually occurs at elevations below 4,500 feet (1,400 meters). It includes nearly 20,000 square miles (52,000 square km) of New Mexico’s best grazing area and…
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origins of agriculture
North America
The Lower Sonoran complex, with less annual precipitation, included corn, squash, cotton, and beans—tepary bean, lima bean, scarlet runner bean, and jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis).
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The Lower Sonoran complex, with less annual precipitation, included corn, squash, cotton, and beans—tepary bean, lima bean, scarlet runner bean, and jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis).
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