Island of Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Island of Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fomseng gravelly silty clay loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oatuu-Fomseng complex, 60 to 99 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Naniak mucky silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, MLRA 195 | 3K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tolonier very stony silty clay loam, 6 to 30 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nansepsep silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fomseng gravelly silty clay loam, 60 to 99 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Finol very gravelly silty clay loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Inkosr silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 1K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ngedebus loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 802 | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dolen silty clay loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 589 | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Insak peaty loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 419 | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Umpump very gravelly clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 417 | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sonahnpil very stony silty clay loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 203 | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ngerungor mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, MLRA 195 | 181 | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ngedebus-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 104 | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Majuro very cobbly loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 45 | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 19 | D | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 99% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 99% 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.