Esmeralda County Area, 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 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 Esmeralda County 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unsel-Wardenot-Izo association | 95K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Annaw-Wardenot-Ardivey association | 75K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blacktop-Rodad-Theriot association | 75K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downeyville-Blacktop-Rock outcrop association | 61K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gynelle-Oricto association | 55K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stewval-Pintwater-Rock outcrop association | 55K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Playas | 43K | Very poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Tomel-Ardivey-Wardenot association | 37K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stewval-Downeyville-Rock outcrop association | 36K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stonell-Wardenot-Izo association, moist | 35K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gynelle-Oricto association, warm | 34K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blacktop-Rock outcrop-Pintwater association | 32K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lathrop-Itme association | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Downeyville-Silverbow-Rock outcrop association | 29K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downeyville-Gabbvally association | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ardivey-Unsel-Wardenot association | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ubehebe-Logring-Penelas association | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Unsel-Izo association | 24K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blappert-Pumel association | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wardenot-Gynelle-Stonell association | 23K | Excessively drained | A | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 85% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, 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.