Valley Area, Idaho, Parts of Adams and Valley Counties

Survey Area ID652• Idaho

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Valley Area, Idaho, Parts of Adams and Valley Counties. 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
Water	35K			Not rated	Not rated
Bryan-Pyle complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	25K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Pyle-Koppes complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	23K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Shellrock-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	19K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Jugson coarse sandy loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes	18K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Roseberry coarse sandy loam, occasionally flooded	15K	Poorly drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Quartzburg-Bryan complex, 10 to 45 percent slopes	15K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Archabal loam, 4 to 12 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
McCall complex, 5 to 50 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Donnel sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Blackwell silt loam, frequently flooded	8K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Archabal loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Melton loam	7K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gestrin loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes, rarely flooded	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Shellrock loamy coarse sand, 35 to 60 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Donnel sandy loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop	5K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Roseberry, occasionally flooded-Melton, frequently flooded-Jurvannah, frequently flooded complex	5K	Poorly drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Shellrock loamy coarse sand, 12 to 35 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Shellrock-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 25 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	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.

Inceptisols

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

Andisols

Volcanic ash soils — light, porous, and fertile. Excellent drainage, but low density can complicate 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.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 68% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 83% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.