Malheur County, Oregon, Northeastern Part
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 Malheur County, Oregon, Northeastern Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Umapine silt loam | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Owyhee silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Powder silt loam | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nyssa silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nyssa silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Frohman silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Virtue silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Frohman silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stanfield silt loam | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Virtue silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Turbyfill fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Xeric Torriorthents, very steep | 7K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Greenleaf silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Garbutt silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nyssa silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Baldock silt loam | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Virtue silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| McLoughlin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kimberly fine sandy loam | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nyssa silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 40% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 83% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.