Yakima Training Center, Parts of Kittitas and Yakima Counties, Washington

Survey Area WA681• Washington

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Yakima Training Center, Parts of Kittitas and Yakima Counties, 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
Benwy silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Vantage-Clerf complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Zen-Marlic-Laric complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Argabak very cobbly loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vantage-Clerf complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vantage very cobbly loam, thin, 3 to 15 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Selah silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Argabak-Horseflat complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Benwy silt loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Grinrod-Horseflat complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ralock-Palerf complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Marlic-Zen-Laric complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Brehm-Gorskel-Gorst complex, 10 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Selah silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	5K			Not rated	Not rated
Vantage-Clerf complex, 30 to 45 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Argabak-Vantage complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vantage very cobbly loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Laric-Zen complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Zen-Benwy-Laric complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Very 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.

Mollisols

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

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 72% 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 82% 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.