Island of Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia

Survey Area FM931• Federated States of Micronesia

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 Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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. 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
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

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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

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

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

Oxisols

Deeply weathered tropical soils. Nutrient-poor despite appearing lush. Rare in the continental US.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

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.