Yavapai County, Arizona, Western Part

Survey Area AZ637• 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 Yavapai County, Arizona, Western Part. 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
Barkerville cobbly sandy loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes	241K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Barkerville extremely rocky sandy loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes	238K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rock land	237K			Not rated	Not rated
Springerville-Cabezon complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes	200K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Moano very rocky loam, 15 to 60 percent slopes	163K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lynx soils	106K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cabezon-Springerville complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes	97K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cellar soils, 20 to 60 percent slopes	96K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pastura-Lynx association, undulating	90K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Rock land, low rainfall	80K			Not rated	Not rated
Cabezon soils, 8 to 45 percent slopes	75K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tortugas extremely rocky loam, 15 to 60 percent slopes	69K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lonti gravelly loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes	59K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Tortugas very rocky loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes	57K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Springerville cobbly clay, 0 to 8 percent slopes	52K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lonti cobbly loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes	50K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cave-Continental gravelly sandy loams, 2 to 30 percent slopes	49K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lonti gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes	47K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Thunderbird cobbly clay loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes	47K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Purner gravelly loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes	44K	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.

Mollisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 73% 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 84% 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.