Santa Cruz and Parts of Cochise and Pima Counties, Arizona
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 Santa Cruz and Parts of Cochise and Pima Counties, Arizona.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lampshire-Graham-Rock outcrop association, steep | 89K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lampshire-Chiricahua association, steep | 87K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bernardino-Hathaway association, rolling | 73K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Not limited |
| Rock outcrop-Lithic Haplustolls association | 62K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Barkerville-Gaddes association, steep | 43K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faraway-rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Comoro soils, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| White House-Caralampi complex, 10 to 35 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caralampi gravelly sandy loam, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chiricahua-Lampshire association, rolling | 37K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| White House gravelly loam, 10 to 35 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Casto very gravelly sandy loam, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lampshire very gravelly sandy loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faraway-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caralampi gravelly sandy loam, 10 to 60 percent slopes, eroded | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| White house-hathaway association, steep | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| White House gravelly loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Faraway-Tortugas-Rock outcrop association, steep | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Martinez gravelly loam | 17K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pima soils | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 74% 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.