Payette County, Idaho
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Payette County, Idaho.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lolalita-Saralegui association, steep | 23K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lankbush-Purdam complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Payette-Van Dusen association, steep | 14K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elijah-Chilcott silt loams, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Power-Elijah silt loams, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lolalita-Lankbush complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greenleaf silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Reywat-Bakeoven complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Purdam-Power silt loams, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haw loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haw loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Haw loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moulton fine sandy loam | 6K | Poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Power-Purdam silt loams, 7 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Power-Elijah silt loams, 7 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Greenleaf silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Haw loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haw loam, 7 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gross-Bakeoven complex, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. 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.