Payette County, Idaho

Survey Area ID659• Idaho

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 Payette County, 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
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

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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

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.