Middle Fork Payette River Area, Idaho, Parts of Valley and Boise Counties

Survey Area ID662• Idaho

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Middle Fork Payette River Area, Idaho, Parts of Valley and Boise Counties. 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
Quartzburg-Coski complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes	29K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Pyle-Koppes complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	24K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Koppes-Scriver complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Koppes-Quartzburg gravelly loamy coarse sands, 40 to 60 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Koppes-Toiyabe gravelly loamy coarse sands, 40 to 60 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Bryan-Pyle complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	18K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Coski complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Pyle-Quartzburg complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Graylock-Whitecap complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Hanks-Bryan gravelly coarse sandy loams, 40 to 60 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Scriver-Bryan complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Hanks-Josie gravelly coarse sandy loams, 40 to 60 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Graylock complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Josie gravelly coarse sandy loam, 40 to 60 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Pyle-Ligget complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Hanks gravelly coarse sandy loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Coski-Scriver complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Koppes-Whitecap gravelly loamy coarse sands, 20 to 40 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Koppes-Josie complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Pyle-Scriver complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very 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.

Mollisols

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

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 100% 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.