Gila Bend-Ajo Area, Arizona, Parts of Maricopa and Pima Counties
The most common soil here is Gunsight, on about 10% of the land: a very gravelly loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Denure and Cherioni come next.
About 86% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 46% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 39% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 10% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 33% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Gila Bend-Ajo Area, Arizona, Parts of Maricopa and Pima Counties, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Gila Bend-Ajo Area, Arizona, Parts of Maricopa and Pima 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denure-Rillito-Why complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 162K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Cipriano-Hyder-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 65 percent slopes | 112K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Quilotosa-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 55 percent slopes | 110K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gunsight-Rillito-Carrizo complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 106K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Gunsight-Chuckawalla complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 90K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Cherioni-Coolidge complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 81K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gunsight-Cipriano complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 67K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dateland-Cuerda complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hyder-Gachado-Gunsight extremely gravelly sandy loams, 1 to 25 percent slopes | 43K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Hyder complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 42K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Carrizo-Momoli complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 38K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cherioni very cobbly fine sandy loam, 3 to 10 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mohall complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Coolidge complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Denure-Coolidge complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Riverwash | 27K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Cipriano-Momoli complex, 1 to 7 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gunsight-Pinamt complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Denure-Why complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Growler-Wellton complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Not 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 39% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 46% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.