Desert National Wildlife Refuge Area, Nevada, South Part
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Desert National Wildlife Refuge Area, Nevada, South Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxspring-Sheeppass association | 52K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zeheme-Rock outcrop association | 45K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| St. Thomas-Rock outcrop association | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seralin-Wheelerwell-Sheeprange association | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Joemay-Threelakes complex | 28K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Purob-Ferrogold association | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Joemay-Alamoroad association | 23K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Weiser-Wechech association | 22K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wechech-Weiser association | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Potosi-Zeheme-Rock outcrop association | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Purob, dry-Ferrogold association | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ferrogold-Weiser association | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seralin-Sheeprange-Rock outcrop association | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mormonwell-Boxspring association | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wamp very gravelly fine sandy loam, 8 to 50 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wamp very gravelly fine sandy loam, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haypeak-Kitgram-Sheeprange association | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boxsprings-Scrapy-Rock outcrop association | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ferrogold very gravelly loam, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Birdspring-St. Thomas-Rock outcrop association | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% 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 81% 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.