Malheur County, Oregon, Northeastern Part

Survey Area OR641• Oregon

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 Malheur County, Oregon, Northeastern Part. 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
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

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.

Entisols

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

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

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.