Shivwits Area, Arizona, Part of Mohave County

Survey Area AZ623• Arizona

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 Shivwits Area, Arizona, Part of Mohave County. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Mellenthin-Rock outcrop-Torriorthents complex , 10 to 70 percent slopes	188K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hindu-Rock outcrop-Gypill complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes	97K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Disterheff-Natank-Yumtheska complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	58K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tanbark family-Strych family-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes	57K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mellenthin-Strych complex, 4 to 25 percent slopes, cool	43K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Meriwhitica-Rock outcrop-Strych complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes	42K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Meriwhitica-Rock outcrop-Strych complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes, warm	42K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Torriorthents-Calciorthids-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes	41K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Yumtheska-Natank complex, 10 to 45 percent slopes	40K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Boquillas family-Showlow complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes	35K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Showlow-Thunderbird complex, 2 to 25 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tassi-Rizno complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Yurm family very gravelly loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Strych very gravelly loam, 2 to 10 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Hobog-Tidwell family complex, 8 to 35 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Yumtheska-Katzine-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dermala family-Guy family-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Moenkopie-Goblin complex, 5 to 50 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Berzatic family-Rock outcrop-Goblin complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pocum-Childers-Ubank complex, 1 to 10 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 96% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 96% 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.