Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malm-Bondfarm-Matheson complex, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 81K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nargon-Deuce complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aridic Haploxerolls-Torrifluventic Haploxerolls, rarely flooded complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Jimbee-Rock outcrop-Ike association, 10 to 90 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Terreton-Zwiefel complex | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Terreton silty clay loam | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Darlington-Lesbut complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tan gravelly loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bondfarm-Malm-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torrifluventic Haploxerolls-Mooretown, rarely flooded-Arco, rarely flooded complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bereniceton loam | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Splittop-Atomic complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Simeroi-Sparmo complex, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Deuce, very stony surface-Nargon-Lava flows complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deuce-Nargon-Lava flows complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Starlite loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lesbut-Mooretown, occasionally flooded complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mogg-Shagel association, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Matheson, very deep-Grassy Butte complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Simeroi gravelly silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 72% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 87% 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.