Long Valley Area, Arizona

Survey Area AZ643• 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 Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Long Valley Area, Arizona. 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
Brolliar very stony clay loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes	68K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Basalt rock land	45K			Not rated	Not rated
Springerville cobbly clay, 0 to 10 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Limestone and sandstone rock land	42K			Not rated	Not rated
Gem cobbly clay loam, 0 to 20 percent slopes	35K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Soldier cobbly loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes	31K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Soldier cobbly loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes	30K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Springerville-Gem complex, 0 to 20 percent sloeps	27K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cabezon very stony clay loam, 0 to 20 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Stony rough land, ash and tuff	21K			Not rated	Not rated
Brolliar very stony clay loam, 10 to 30 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tortugas very stony loam, 0 to 30 percent sloeps	20K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
McVickers very fine sandy loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hogg fine sandy loam, 0 to 20 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Winona gravelly loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
McVickers-Hogg complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Springerville clay, 0 to 10 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Graham and House Mountain soils, 0 to 30 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cabezon cobbly clay loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Retriever very stony loam, 0 to 30 percent slopes	10K	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.

Alfisols

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

Entisols

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

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Aridisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 75% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 78% 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.