Islands of Palau, Republic of Palau

Survey Area PW935• Palau

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.

Oxisols

Deeply weathered tropical soils. Nutrient-poor despite appearing lush. Rare in the continental US.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

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

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Mollisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 95% 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 100% 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.