Lyon County Area, Nevada
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 Lyon County Area, Nevada.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theon very gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 63K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Theon-Olac association | 41K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lapon-Rubble land-Rock outcrop association | 40K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hyloc-Ister-Rock outcrop association | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Patna sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes MLRA 27 | 27K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fulstone-Reno complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mirkwood-Nemico association | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cleaver gravelly sandy loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cleaver association, sloping | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Piroutte-Cleaver-Weena association | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Theon-Rock outcrop-Old Camp, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Doorkiss-Ceejay association | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hyloc-Ister association | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minneha-Berit-Wile association | 18K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Singatse-Theon association | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Theon-Lapon-Olac association | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Malpais gravelly loamy sand, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ister-Hyloc-Lunder association | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cleaver stony sandy loam, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lahontan silty clay loam, strongly saline-alkali | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 91% 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 96% 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.