Fort Apache Indian Reservation, Arizona, Parts of Apache, Gila, and Navajo Counties

Survey Area AZ683• 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 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 Fort Apache Indian Reservation, Arizona, Parts of Apache, Gila, and Navajo 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
Haplustolls-Ustorthents	350K	Well drained		Not rated	Not rated
Showlow gravelly clay loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes	75K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Thunderbird cobbly clay loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes	60K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Thunderbird cobbly clay loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes	54K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gordo cobbly loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes	53K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Elledge-Overgaard-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	47K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Chevelon cobbly clay loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes, eroded	38K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Baldy cobbly fine sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	37K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Ess cobbly loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes	37K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Overgaard gravelly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gordo cobbly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Sponseller cobbly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ess cobbly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cryorthents-Cryoborolls complex	28K	Well drained		Not rated	Not rated
Tortugas-Roundtop-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sponseller cobbly loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Roundtop-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cibeque gravelly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded	25K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Overgaard gravelly fine sandy loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tortugas-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	22K	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.

Mollisols

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

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 61% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 63% 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.