Fort Defiance Area, Parts of Apache and Navajo Counties, Arizona and McKinley and San Juan Counties, New Mexico

Survey Area AZ715• 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 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 Fort Defiance Area, Parts of Apache and Navajo Counties, Arizona and McKinley and San Juan Counties, New Mexico. 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
Verite-Manuelito complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes	219K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Penistaja family-Betonnie complex, 1 to 10 percent slopes	189K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Plumasano-Parkelei family complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes	134K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Evpark-Vessilla-Arabrab complex, 1 to 25 percent slopes	132K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pinavetes family-Begay complex, 10 to 60 percent slopes	131K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Redlands-Monue complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes	130K	Moderately well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Notal-Jocity family complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	106K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Parkelei family, 1 to 8 percent slopes.	100K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Parkelei family-Arabrab complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes	95K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Evpark-Arabrab complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes	83K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Zia sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	77K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Kinusta-Strych families-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 65 percent slopes	75K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Eagleye-Teesto family complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes	70K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Redlands-Whitecone complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes	68K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Wepo-Ives-Jocity association, 0 to 2 percent slopes	67K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Badland-Claysprings family complex, 3 to 60 percent slopes	58K			Not rated	Not rated
Betonnie-Pinavetes family complex, 3 to 10 percent slopes.	53K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Verite-Rock outcrop-Flutedrock complex, 5 to 60 percent slopes	53K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rizno-Tekapo family-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 45 percent slopes	49K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sheppard-Monue complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes	48K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not 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.

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 50% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 60% 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.