Boise County Area, Idaho, Western Part
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Boise County Area, Idaho, Western Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbscreek-Dobson-Brownlee complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deerrun-Kisky-Drybuck complex, 35 to 90 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charters-Shirts-Kosh complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Backswitch-Charters-Zimmer complex, 8 to 50 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charters-Crumley-Eagleson complex, 35 to 90 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shirts-Kosh-Charters complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shirts-Kosh-Charters complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eagleson-Kosh complex, 25 to 90 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shirts-Zimmer-Charters complex, 35 to 90 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charters-Shirts-Zimmer complex, 35 to 90 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roney-Kisky-Olaton complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brownlee-Robbscreek-Whisk complex, 8 to 35 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shimo-Kisky-Schiller complex, 35 to 90 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Garval-Kisky complex, 35 to 90 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shirts-Kosh complex, 35 to 90 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pajo-Packerjohn-Kosh complex, 35 to 90 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dobson-Roney complex, 35 to 90 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eagleson-Kosh-Charters complex, 35 to 90 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Northfork-Shirts-Zimmer complex, 35 to 90 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cartwright-Brownlee-Robbscreek complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.