Salt Lake Area, Utah

Survey Area UT612• Utah

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 Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Salt Lake Area, Utah. 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
Water, saline	17K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Pintailake-Eimarsh-Playas complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	14K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land	14K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Jordan-Saltair complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lasil silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Harkers soils, 6 to 40 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Harkers-Wallsburg association, steep	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bradshaw-Agassiz association, steep	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rock land	9K			Not rated	Not rated
Mine wash	9K			Not rated	Not rated
Stony terrace escarpments	9K			Not rated	Not rated
Bingham gravelly loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Saltair-Playas-Lasil complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	9K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pits, mine	8K			Not rated	Not rated
Parleys silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Dry Creek-Copperton association, moderately steep	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bingham gravelly loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Playas	6K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lucky Star gravelly loam, 40 to 60 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gappmayer-Wallsburg association, very steep	6K	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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

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

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.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 65% 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.