Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho
The most common soil here is Malm, on about 19% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Terreton and Bondfarm come next.
About 96% of the land drains well, and 4% stays wet for long stretches.
USDA rates 85% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 71% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 55% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malm-Bondfarm-Matheson complex, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 112K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Splittop-Atomic complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aridic Haploxerolls-Torrifluventic Haploxerolls, rarely flooded complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Terreton-Zwiefel complex | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Terreton silty clay loam | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Darlington-Lesbut complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tan gravelly loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bondfarm-Malm-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torrifluventic Haploxerolls-Mooretown, rarely flooded-Arco, rarely flooded complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Simeroi-Sparmo complex, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nargon-Deuce complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deuce, very stony surface-Nargon-Lava flows complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Starlite loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lesbut-Mooretown, occasionally flooded complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Terreton-Rock outcrop complex | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Simeroi gravelly silt loam, cool, 2 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mogg-Shagel association, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deuce-Nargon-Lava flows complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Matheson, very deep-Grassy Butte complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Simeroi gravelly silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 71% 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 85% 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.