Eureka County Area, Nevada
The most common soil here is Tulase, on about 4% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Silverado and Ocala come next.
About 91% of the land drains well, and 8% stays wet for long stretches.
USDA rates 76% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 71% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 41% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Eureka County Area, Nevada, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Eureka 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pineval-Tulase-Perwick association | 61K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Batan-Ocala association | 60K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lien-Hayeston association | 58K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hopeka-Solak-Ados association | 51K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubyhill-Barrier association | 37K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bregar-Jivas-Duff association | 36K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mau-Shagnasty-Eightmile association | 36K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Silverado sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Hymas-Ansping association | 34K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Silverado sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Perwick-Puett-Tulase association, eroded | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nadra loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shagnasty-Softscrabble association | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Perwick-Tulase association | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chad-Gando-Softscrabble association | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coils loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Umil loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beanflat silt loam | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pedoli-Silverado association | 17K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Not limited |
| Cherry Spring-Tomera association | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat 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 71% 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 76% 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.