Adams County, Washington
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Adams County, Washington. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shano silt loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 190K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ritzville silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 166K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Shano silt loam, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 107K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ritzville silt loam, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 101K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Anders-Kuhl extremely rocky silt loams, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 78K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Walla Walla silt loam, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benge gravelly silt loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Benge very rocky silt loam, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Prosser-Starbuck very rocky very fine sandy loams, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shano silt loam, moderately shallow, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ritzville silt loam, moderately shallow, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roloff-Starbuck stony silt loams, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benge very stony silt loam, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burke silt loam, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Esquatzel silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Willis silt loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shano silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Anders-Kuhl very rocky silt loams, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stratford silt loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ritzville silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat 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 51% 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 56% 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.