Islands of Airik, Arno, Majuro, Mili and Taroa, Republic of the Marshall Islands
The most common soil here is Ngedebus, on about 56% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Majuro and Odesangel come next.
About 78% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 78% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 78% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 52% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Islands of Airik, Arno, Majuro, Mili and Taroa, Republic of the Marshall Islands, 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 Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Islands of Airik, Arno, Majuro, Mili and Taroa, Republic of the Marshall Islands. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Majuro very cobbly loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 1K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ngedebus loamy sand, dark surface, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 960 | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Ngedebus complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, MLRA 196 | 949 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ngedebus loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 758 | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Majuro-Rubble land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 229 | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ngedebus very gravelly loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 200 | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ngedebus very gravelly loamy sand, dark surface, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 184 | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Dumps | 4 | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 78% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include flood-prone areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 78% 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.