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