Mojave National Preserve Area, California
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively 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 Mojave National Preserve Area, California.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 31% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 72% 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.