Shiprock Area, Parts of San Juan County, New Mexico and Apache County, Arizona

Survey Area NM717• New Mexico

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 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 Shiprock Area, Parts of San Juan County, New Mexico and Apache County, Arizona. 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
Littlehat-Persayo-Nataani complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes	85K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Persayo-Fordbutte association, 1 to 10 percent slopes	82K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sogzie-Aneth association, 2 to 8 percent slopes	76K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Arches-Kitsili-Mido complex, 1 to 25 percent slopes	64K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Littlehat-Persayo-Badland complex, 3 to 45 percent slopes	48K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kimbeto loamy fine sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes	44K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Sogzie loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes	44K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Ravola very fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	41K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Rizno complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes	40K		D	Very limited	Very limited
Farb-Rock outcrop-Badland complex, 2 to 25 percent slopes	40K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Denazar-Farb fine sands, 0 to 3 percent slopes	40K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Millett-Blanding-Strych association, 2 to 50 percent slopes	34K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Not limited
Ligai-Pastorpeak-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 95 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sheppard loamy fine sand, 2 to 8 percent slopes, hummocky	29K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Kimbeto-Huerfano complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Jeddito loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Camac-Kimbeto-Badland association, 0 to 50 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Needle complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes	24K		D	Very limited	Very limited
Iwela-Nomrah-Vosburg complex, 1 to 40 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Blanding very fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat 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.

Entisols

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

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 65% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 73% 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.