Safford Area, Arizona
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 Safford Area, Arizona.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony and Gila gravelly sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rough broken land | 13K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Pinaleno-Continental gravelly sandy loams, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grabe clay loam | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Continental-Pinaleno complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gila and Glendale soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gila loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gravelly alluvial land | 10K | Excessively drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Continental-Gila gravelly sandy loams, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grabe loam | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cave-Pinaleno complex, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pinaleno gravelly loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pima clay loam | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pinaleno-Bitter Spring complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pinaleno-Cave complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Arizo gravelly sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Graham extremely rocky clay loam, 2 to 40 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tres Hermanos-Bitter Spring gravelly sandy loams, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bitter Spring gravelly sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cave gravelly sandy loam, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 59% 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 57% 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.