Canyon Area, Idaho

Survey Area ID665• Idaho

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 Canyon Area, Idaho. 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
Greenleaf-Owyhee silt loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Power-Purdam silt loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Water	14K			Not rated	Not rated
Elijah-Vickery silt loams, 3 to 7 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Power silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Elijah-Chilcott silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Scism silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Baldock loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Garbutt silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Nyssaton silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Turbyfill fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Scism silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Nyssaton silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Feltham loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Greenleaf-Owyhee silt loams, 1 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Cencove fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Moulton fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	7K	Poorly drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Minidoka-Scism silt loams, 3 to 7 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Minidoka silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Power silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat 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.

Aridisols

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

Entisols

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

Mollisols

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

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

About 57% 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

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.