Mojave National Preserve Area, California
The most common soil here is Dalelake, on about 5% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Arizo and Orwash come next.
About 98% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 80% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 44% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 1% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 33% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Mojave National Preserve Area, California, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Mojave National Preserve Area, California. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizo-Orwash complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 84K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Fenner-Rubylee complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 76K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Helendale-Caruthers-Castaneda complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 66K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dalvord-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 60K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ambrosia-Arizo-Vontrigger complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 47K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pintobasin gravelly fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 37K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Dalelake association, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 34K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Orwash association, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 33K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Grottohill-Devamine-Ustic Calciargids complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Carrizo gravelly fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 33K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kiwisar association, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yahana family-Bunkerhill complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 31K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newera-Noshade association, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dalelake sand, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Minehart gravelly fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gravesumit-Gocougs complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lanip-Caruthers complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Roxie-Coppermine-Copperworld complex, 8 to 60 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zzyzx fine sand, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Jiblette-Coppermine complex, 4 to 30 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 44% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 80% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.