Owyhee County Area, Idaho
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.