Cochise County, Arizona, Douglas-Tombstone Part
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.