Owyhee County Area, Idaho
The most common soil here is Wickahoney, on about 4% of the land: a gravelly loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Arbidge and Bruncan come next.
About 92% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 84% 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 82% 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 Owyhee County Area, Idaho, 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 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.
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.