Lander County, Nevada, South Part
The most common soil here is Orovada, on about 5% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Itca and Buffaran come next.
About 91% of the land drains well, and 8% stays wet for long stretches.
USDA rates 82% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 72% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 7% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 37% 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 Lander County, Nevada, South Part, 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 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 Lander County, Nevada, South 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McConnel-Rasille-Wholan association | 36K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Orovada-Rasille-Wholan association | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Glyphs-Muni-Orovada association | 22K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Itca-Roca-Reluctan association | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buffaran-Chiara association | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muni-Orovada-Unius association | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grassval-Alley-Zaidy association | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Itca-Clanalpine-Torro association | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buffaran-Spasprey-Allor association | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wholan-Rasille association, nonalkaline | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Creemon-Hessing association | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Enko-Orovada association, gently sloping | 15K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pineval-Orovada association | 15K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Old Camp-Colbar association | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reluctan-Locane-Itca association | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ricert-Orovada-Tenabo association | 14K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Not limited |
| Laxal-Wrango association | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Jung-Newpass association | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Soughe-Atlow-Segura association | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newpass-Jung association | 13K | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 72% 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 82% 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.