Kaibab National Forests, Arizona, Parts of Coconino, Mohave and Yavapai Counties

Survey Area AZ695• 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 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.

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.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 91% 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 97% 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.