Kaibab National Forests, Arizona, Parts of Coconino, Mohave and Yavapai Counties
The most common soil here is Pluto, on about 11% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Pocomate and Kanabownits come next.
About 83% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 5% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 89% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 86% 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 Kaibab National Forests, Arizona, Parts of Coconino, Mohave and Yavapai 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Kaibab National Forests, Arizona, Parts of Coconino, Mohave and Yavapai 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pluto-Procky complex, 1 to 14 percent slopes | 188K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kanabownits fine sandy loam, 4 to 44 percent slopes | 109K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Phizphre-Tovar-Toqui complex, coconino plateau, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 104K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pocomate-Rock outcrop complex, kaibab plateau, 6 to 66 percent slopes | 95K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thunderbird-Ferno complex, 2 to 23 percent slopes | 78K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pluto-Grandwash complex, 6 to 33 percent slopes | 69K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hosta-Thunderbird complex, 1 to 11 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kanabownits-Kippers-Kaiparowits complex, 1 to 20 percent slopes | 55K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Phizphre-Tovar-Toqui complex, kaibab plateau, 1 to 23 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pinntank-Pocomate complex, kaibab plateau, 1 to 23 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Phizphre-Tovar-Rock outcrop complex, kaibab plateau, 6 to 66 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chunkmonk-Wodomont-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Meriwhitica complex, 5 to 101 percent slopes | 34K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Atarque-Yumtheska-Rock outcrop, 1 to 18 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Purpleheart-Pluto complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldust-Thunderbird complex, 4 to 35 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atarque-Moquistation complex, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wodomont-Atlatl-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tovar-Whiskey-Phizphre complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toqui-Yumtheska-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 17 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 89% 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 95% 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.