Cochise County, Arizona, Northwestern Part
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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, Northwestern Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calcigypsids-Contention-Redo complex, chihuahuan, 5 to 45 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stronghold-McAllister-Elgin complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pedregosa-Tombstone complex, 5 to 45 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tombstone-Stronghold complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nolam-Stronghold complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Magoffin-Budlamp-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 70 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Romero-Nodman-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 60 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Budlamp-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 70 percent slope | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stagecoach-Pinaleno complex, sonoran, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blakeney family-Luckyhills complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Courtland-Sasabe-Diaspar complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Terrarossa-Blacktail complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mabray-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 70 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kuykendall-Cherrycow-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 60 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cherrycow-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 45 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carbine-Hathaway complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Stagecoach-Whitlock-Delnorte complex, chihuahuan, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Libby-Gulch complex, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guest silty clay, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deloro-Andrada complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 77% 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 96% 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.