Island of Ponape, Federated States of Micronesia
The most common soil here is Tolonier, on about 21% of the land: a very stony clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Dolen and Dolekei come next.
About 68% of the land drains well, and 19% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 18% of it.
USDA rates all of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 97% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 21% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 38% 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 Island of Ponape, Federated States of Micronesia, 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Ponape, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tolonier-Dolen association, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Naniak mucky silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, MLRA 195 | 13K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tolonier-Dolen association, 60 to 99 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dolekei-Fomseng association, 15 to 30 percent slopes, cobbly | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dolekei-Fomseng association, 30 to 60 percent slopes, cobbly | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dolen cobbly silty clay loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dolekei-Fomseng association, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Umpump silty clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fomseng-Dolekei association, 60 to 99 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Umpump gravelly sandy clay loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dolekei-Fomseng association, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sonahnpil very stony silty clay loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rakied extremely gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Umpump very gravelly clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nansepsep silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wahrekdam very gravelly sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Umpump gravelly silty clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oatuu taxadjunct silt loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 805 | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dolen cobbly silty clay loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 651 | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Inkosr gravelly sandy clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 641 | Poorly drained | B/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 97% 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 100% 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.