Carson City Area, Nevada

Survey Area NV629• Nevada

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 Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Carson City Area, Nevada. 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
Surpass gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Koontz-Sutro complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Koontz-Sutro complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Glenbrook-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land	3K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Devada-Rock outcrop association	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Incy fine sand, 4 to 30 percent slopes	3K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Oppio-Nosrac association	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Deven-Rock outcrop complex, 4 to 15 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Toiyabe-Corbett complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	2K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Tarloc-Glenbrook association	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Koontz-Sutro association, steep	2K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Toiyabe-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	2K	Excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Indiano-Nosrac-Old Camp association	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ister-Reywat-Koontz association	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Vicee-Aldax variant complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hocar-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Haybourne gravelly sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Roloc-Graufels-Glenbrook association	1K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Surpass coarse sandy loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes MLRA 26	1K	Well drained	A	Very 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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Aridisols

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

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 93% 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 80% 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.