Mohave County, Arizona, Southern Part
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively 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 Mohave County, Arizona, Southern Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quilotosa-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 191K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cellar-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 185K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lampshire-Rock outcrop complex, cool, 30 to 70 percent slopes | 94K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gunsight very gravelly loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 89K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Romero-Lampshire-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 81K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mutang-Wikieup-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 63K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lostman-Kinley complex, 1 to 7 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Castaneda extremely gravelly loam, dry, 1 to 7 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Hyder complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 58K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Romero-Chiricahua-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 56K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gunsight very gravelly sandy loam, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 55K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orwash family sandy loam, dry, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 48K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Stagecoach-Topawa family-Eba complex, 10 to 50 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gonzales-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Razorback-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 38K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carrizo family very gravelly loamy sand, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 36K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cellar-Rock outcrop complex, dry, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 36K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cellar-Topock-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 34K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huevi very gravelly loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chuckawalla-Riverbend complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 71% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 79% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
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.