United States

Survey Area US• United States

The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 United States. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group
Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Water, Saline	26.9M
Aleutian Islands-Western Alaska Peninsula-Maritime Water, Saline	25.1M
Water (s8369)	24.1M
Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Water, Saline	20.9M
Arctic Foothills-Arctic Upland-Hills and Plains	18.9M	Moderately well drained	C
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Alpine and Upland-Rounded Mountains, Acid	13.6M	Well drained	B
Southern Alaska Coastal Mountains-Maritime Alpine-Barren Mountains	10.7M
Arctic Coastal Plain-Arctic Lowland-Coastal Plains, High	9.9M	Very poorly drained	D
Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Alpine-Barren Mountains	9.7M
Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Upland and Subalpine-Rounded Mountains	9.2M	Very poorly drained	C
Northern Bering Sea Islands-Maritime Water, Saline	7.8M
Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Lowland-Coastal Plains, Mid-Level	7.4M	Very poorly drained	D
Arctic Coastal Plain-Water, Saline	7.1M
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland-Hills and Plains	7.0M	Poorly drained	D
Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Water, Saline	6.3M
Yukon Flats-Boreal Upland-Plains and Hills	5.9M	Poorly drained	D
Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland-Loess Hills	5.9M	Poorly drained	D
Arctic Foothills-Arctic Upland-Loess Plains and Hills	5.9M	Very poorly drained	C/D
Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland and Alpine-Rounded Mountains	5.8M	Well drained	B
Webster-Nicollet-Clarion-Canisteo (s1750)	5.4M	Poorly drained	B/D

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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

Most soils are reasonably suitable for conventional septic systems, though site-specific conditions always matter. Get a perc test to confirm.

Gardening & Agriculture

Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.