Apache County, Arizona, Central Part

Survey Area AZ635• Arizona

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Apache County, Arizona, Central Part. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Clovis-Palma association, undulating	328K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Clovis loamy sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes	210K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Rudd complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	194K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Palma-Sheppard association, undulating	138K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Tours clay loam	137K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Thunderbird cobbly clay loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes	122K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Badland	94K			Not rated	Not rated
Eroded land	84K			Not rated	Not rated
Hubert gravelly loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes	67K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Jocity sandy clay loam	64K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Loamy alluvial land	50K	Well drained		Very limited	Very limited
Sandstone rock land	49K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Fruitland sandy loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes	48K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Hubert gravelly loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	41K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Navajo clay	40K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Stony rock land	37K			Not rated	Not rated
Jocity-Claysprings complex	36K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Palma loamy sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Claysprings clay, 0 to 8 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Millett gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 38% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 47% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

Gardening & Agriculture

Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.