Morrow County Area, Oregon
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 Morrow County Area, Oregon.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quincy loamy fine sand, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 86K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ritzville silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 83K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lickskillet very stony loam, 7 to 40 percent slopes | 82K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waha-Rockly complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valby silt loam, 1 to 7 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ritzville silt loam, 7 to 12 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Waterbury extremely stony silt loam, 7 to 40 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bakeoven-Morrow complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Koehler loamy fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 29K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Valby silt loam, 7 to 12 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waha silt loam, 25 to 40 percent north slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mikkalo silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morrow silt loam, 20 to 35 percent north slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Warden silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lickskillet-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hankins ashy silt loam, 5 to 35 percent south slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mikkalo silt loam, 7 to 12 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sagehill fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Morrow silt loam, 1 to 7 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valby silt loam, 12 to 20 percent north slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 61% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 77% 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.