Jefferson County, Idaho

Survey Area ID765• Idaho

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Jefferson County, 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
Terreton silty clay loam	52K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Aecet, very stony surface-Rock outcrop-Bereniceton complex	46K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Grassy Butte-Rock outcrop complex	31K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Malm-Rock outcrop complex	30K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pancheri silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Terreton-Zwiefel complex	27K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mathon-Rock outcrop-Modkin complex	24K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Bereniceton-Rock outcrop-Aecet complex	16K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bondranch-Rock outcrop complex	16K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Matheson-Malm loams	15K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Bereniceton-Terreton-Aecet complex	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tan gravelly loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Pancheri silt loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Pancheri silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Terreton loamy sand	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Blackfoot silt loam, drained	12K	Moderately well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Grassy Butte sand, 2 to 20 percent slopes	12K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Xeric Torrifluvents	11K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Matheson loamy sand, 2 to 8 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited
Diston loamy sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very 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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Mollisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 57% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 90% 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.