Island of Ponape, Federated States of Micronesia

Survey Area FM932• Federated States of Micronesia

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.

Inceptisols

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

Oxisols

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

Entisols

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

Alfisols

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

Histosols

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

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.