Elko County, Nevada, Southeast Part

Survey Area NV766• 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 Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 Elko County, Nevada, Southeast Part. 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
Pookaloo-Cavehill-Rock outcrop association	149K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Katelana association	82K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Tecomar-Tecomar, dry-Pookaloo association	65K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wintermute-Automal association	60K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Katelana-Sheffit-Ragtown association	55K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Shabliss-Palinor association	38K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Katelana-Ragtown-Timpie association	37K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wala-Tarnach association	36K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pookaloo-Tecomar-Rock outcrop association MLRA 28B	35K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Uvada-Ragtown association	34K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tecomar-Zimbob association	30K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Izamatch-Luning association	28K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Wardbay-Adobe-Haunchee association MLRA 28B	27K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Amtoft-Kyler association	27K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Haunchee-Halacan-Wardbay association	26K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Zimbob association	25K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Palinor-Automal association	24K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Palinor very gravelly loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tarnach-Wesfil association	24K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tarnach-Upatad-Wesfil association	21K	Well drained	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.

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.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 79% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. 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.