Navajo County Area, Arizona, Central Part
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Navajo County Area, Arizona, Central Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epikom channery sandy loam, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 135K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mellenthin-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 20 percent slopes | 129K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leanto-Bisoodi complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 90K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Badland-Torriorthents association, 1 to 30 percent slopes | 66K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Purgatory fine sandy loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 62K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grieta sandy loam, 3 to 10 percent slopes | 62K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Burnswick sandy clay loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 62K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sheppard-Grieta complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 47K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kech-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 20 percent slopes | 45K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Kech fine sandy loam, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thunderbird cobbly silty clay loam, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cerrillos-Ubank complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Claysprings clay, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Epikom-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 20 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arntz fine sandy loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burnswick-Marcou complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pensom-Chedeski complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 33K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Needle complex, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 29K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Barx fine sandy loam, 3 to 10 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rock outcrop-Arches complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 24K | D | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 56% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 76% 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.