Tucson-Avra Valley Area, Arizona
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Tucson-Avra Valley Area, Arizona.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony gravelly sandy loam,1 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Grabe loam | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gila loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Anway loam | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Anway silty clay loam | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Grabe silty clay loam | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Comoro sandy loam | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Valencia sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Anthony sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pima silty clay loam | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rough broken land-Palos Verdes complex, 0 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Valencia-Sonoita sandy loams, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gravelly alluvial land | 5K | Excessively drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Sonoita sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Not limited |
| Anthony and Sonoita soils, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vinton-anthony sandy loams | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Anthony sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mohave clay loam | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vekol silty clay loam | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sonoita sandy clay loam | 3K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Not limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 91% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 28% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
Gardening & Agriculture
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.