Islands of Palau, Republic of Palau
The most common soil here is Aimeliik, on about 39% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Ilachetomel and Peleliu come next.
About 79% of the land drains well, and 19% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 19% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 94% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 20% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 20% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Islands of Palau, Republic of Palau, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Oxisols — highly weathered tropical soils, deep but nutrient-poor. 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 Islands of Palau, Republic of Palau. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aimeliik silt loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aimeliik silt loam, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peleliu-Chelbacheb-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 150 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ilachetomel-Naniak complex, 0 to 1 slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aimeliik silt loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Babelthuap-Ngardmau-Typic Udorthents, undifferentiated group, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mesei-Dechel complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ngedebus highly organic fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ngardmau-Babelthuap-Typic Udorthents, undifferentiated group, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aimeliik silt loam, volcanic bedded substratum, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peleliu extremely cobbly clay loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aimeliik silt loam, bedded tuff substratum, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chia-Insak complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 2K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ngersuul silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Babelthuap-Ngardmau-Typic Udorthents, undifferentiated group, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Aimeliik silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Aimeliik-Ollei complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palau silt loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aimeliik silty clay loam, bedded tuff substratum, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Udorthents-Urban Land complex, 0 to 50 percent slopes | 1K | 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.
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, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 99% 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.