Owyhee County Area, Idaho

Survey Area ID675• 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 Owyhee County Area, 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
Rock outcrop-Xerollic Haplargids complex, very steep	122K		D	Very limited	Very limited
Deunah-Yatahoney-Lostvalley complex, 1 to 10 percent slopes	110K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wickahoney-Wagonbox-Rubble land complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes	92K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dougal-Bruncan stony sandy loams, 2 to 20 percent slopes	84K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wickahoney-Monasterio-Yatahoney association, 1 to 20 percent slopes	83K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bedstead-Arbidge association, 2 to 15 percent slopes	83K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rubble land-Rock outcrop-Pachic Argixerolls complex, very steep	72K		A	Very limited	Very limited
Heckison-Bigflat silt loams, 1 to 10 percent slopes	71K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Arbidge-Hunnton silt loams, 1 to 8 percent slopes	70K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Willhill-Cottle association, 3 to 35 percent slopes	67K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Troughs-Jenor-Laped association, 1 to 10 percent slopes	58K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Troughs-Sugarcreek association, 2 to 15 percent slopes	55K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mulshoe-Hawksy-Gaib association, 2 to 30 percent slopes	55K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wickahoney-Zecanyon complex, 3 to 45 percent slopes	54K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Owsel-Coonskin-Orovada complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes	48K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Not limited
Hat-Rock outcrop-Nipintuck complex, 2 to 35 percent slopes	48K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Monasterio-Wickahoney complex, 1 to 20 percent slopes	48K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Arbidge-Buncelvoir-Chilcott complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes	46K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Arbidge-Owsel-Gariper complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes	41K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bruncan-Minveno complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	41K	Well drained	C	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.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Mollisols

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

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 84% 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 96% 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.