Palau has 1 USDA soil survey areas covering a wide range of landscapes and soil conditions. The most common soil order is Oxisols — highly weathered tropical soils, deep but nutrient-poor, making up roughly 51% of surveyed soils. Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols account for another 23%.
In terms of drainage, 76% of Palau soils are classified as well drained. About 18% of soils have some form of poor drainage, which is important to consider for septic systems and foundations. Drainage class affects everything from septic system design to basement feasibility to garden planning. Use the survey area pages below to see drainage details for specific counties, or look up any address for an exact soil profile.
Oxisols
51% of surveyed soils
Deeply weathered tropical soils. Nutrient-poor despite appearing lush. Rare in the continental US.
Inceptisols
23% of surveyed soils
Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.
Entisols
8% of surveyed soils
Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.
Histosols
7% of surveyed soils
Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.
Mollisols
4% of surveyed soils
Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.
Ultisols
4% of surveyed soils
Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.