Coronado National Forest, Arizona, Parts of Cochise, Graham, Pima and Pinal Counties

Survey Area AZ723• Arizona

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 Coronado National Forest, Arizona, Parts of Cochise, Graham, Pima and Pinal Counties. 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
Lithic Argiustolls, Typic Haplustolls, and Aridic Calciustolls; warm mesic ustic mountains	639K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Calcic Petrocalcids, Typic Haplocalcids, and Lithic Ustic Torriorthents; cool thermic aridic fan remnants and hills	178K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lithic Argiustolls, Typic Haplustolls, and Vitrandic Haplustolls; cool mesic ustic mountains	111K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ustic Haplocalcids, Ustic Haplocambids, rarely flooded, and Typic Torripsamments, rarely flooded; cool thermic aridic alluvial fans	75K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ustic Haplargids and Typic Torriorthents; cool thermic aridic fan piedmonts	45K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lithic Argiustolls, Cumulic Haplustolls, rarely flooded, and Typic Ustorthents; warm mesic ustic mountains	17K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ustic Haplargids, Ustic Torrifluvents, rarely flooded, and Ustic Haplocambids; warm thermic aridic hills and fans	15K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Typic Haplargids, Ustic Haplocambids, and Ustic Calciargids; warm thermic basins and fan remnants	182	Well drained	C	Somewhat 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.

Aridisols

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

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 99% 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 100% 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.