Harney County Area, Oregon
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 Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Harney County Area, Oregon. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raz-Brace complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes, harney area, mlra 23 | 560K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Actem cobbly loam, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 206K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coztur sandy loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 124K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Anawalt-Raz complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 121K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Anawalt gravelly clay loam, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 115K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lonely-Robson association, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 108K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Robson-Fourwheel complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 88K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carryback very gravelly loam, low elevation, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 83K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ninemile association, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 81K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ninemile gravelly loam, hummocky, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 80K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deppy-Tumtum complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 74K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lonegrave-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 70 percent south slopes | 72K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 66K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Westbutte-Lambring-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent north slopes | 65K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ninemile-Reluctan complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 64K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Raz-Brace complex, low precipitation, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 62K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alvodest silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 55K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carryback complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pernty-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 70 percent south slopes | 55K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Enko-Catlow complex, 1 to 7 percent slopes | 53K | Well drained | C | Not 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 94% 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 97% 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.