Minidoka Area, Idaho, Parts of Minidoka, Blaine, and Lincoln Counties
The most common soil here is Portneuf, on about 15% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Minveno and Sluka come next.
About 87% of the land drains well, and 11% stays wet for long stretches.
USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 37% 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 37% 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 Minidoka Area, Idaho, Parts of Minidoka, Blaine, and Lincoln Counties, 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 Minidoka Area, Idaho, Parts of Minidoka, Blaine, and Lincoln 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portneuf silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Minveno silt loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sluka silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Power-McCain complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vining-Kecko-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Power silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Starbuck-McPan-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woozle loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wodskow sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paulville-McPan complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tindahay sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Decker fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Tindahay loamy sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Quincy loamy sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Eoyote fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Schodson sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bahem silt loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Arloval loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kecko fine sandy loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | 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 37% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 94% 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.