Pima County, Arizona, Eastern Part
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Pima County, Arizona, Eastern Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayhook-Sahuarita complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 79K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Pantano-Granolite complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 75K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deloro-Andrada complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 65K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sahuarita soils, mohave soils and urban land, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 65K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Oracle-Romero-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Anklam-Cellar-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 55 percent slopes | 53K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lampshire-Romero-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 65 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pinaleno very cobbly sandy loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sasabe-Caralampi complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| White House-Caralampi complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bucklebar-Sahuarita complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mohave soils and urban land, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tubac gravelly loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Powerline-Kimrose family complex, 10 to 35 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayhook sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| White House gravelly loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nolam-Tombstone complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pinaleno-Stagecoach complex, 5 to 16 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mabray-Deloro-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 65 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arizo-Riverwash complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 33K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 50% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 79% 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.