Cochise County, Arizona, Douglas-Tombstone Part

Survey Area AZ671• Arizona

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Cochise County, Arizona, Douglas-Tombstone 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
Courtland-Sasabe-Diaspar complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes	112K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Outlaw-Epitaph-Paramore complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes	96K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Blakeney-Luckyhills complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	85K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Libby-Gulch complex, 0 to 10 percent slopes	65K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Eloma-Caralampi-White House complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes	54K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Riveroad and Ubik soils, 0 to 5 percent slopes	46K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Guest-Riveroad association, 0 to 1 percent slopes	41K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bonita-Forrest complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes	40K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cherrycow-Magoffin-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 65 percent slopes	38K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Luckyhills-McNeal complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	38K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Mabray-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 45 percent slopes	37K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Brunkcow-Chiricahua-Lampshire complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes	37K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nolam-Libby-Buntline complex, 1 to 10 percent slopes	36K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sutherland-Mule complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	36K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sasabe complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	35K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Budlamp-Woodcutter complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes	34K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Altar-Mallet complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	34K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Major complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Mallet-Hooks complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Forrest clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	C	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.

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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 54% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 89% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

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.