Islands of Palau, Republic of Palau
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 Islands of Palau, Republic of Palau.
| 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 |
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.