6.2.2.c Soils Discussion

Soil morphology in the general region has been greatly affected by the geology of the area. The ranges drain into the adjacent basins and the sediments transported are usually much finer sands, silts and clays. Soils found in the Surprise area vary slightly in texture; most are loamy or loamy-sandy and gravelly, while others contain layers of sticky clay, or even rock-hard, white limy layers. Most of the soils found in the area are generally suitable for building and agriculture with the main risk associated being erosion. The composition of the soils also makes it low risk for shrink-swell potential. The majority of soils found in the Surprise Planning Area were formed from old alluvium eroded from the White Tank Mountain Range. Although the soil types found in the Surprise Planning Area are generally very similar, each exhibits differing characteristics when utilized for development. The Surprise Planning Area exhibits 23 different types of soils which are categorized as loams, sands, or clays and are listed in the Table 6.2B.

Table 6.2B