Butte County Soil Data

Butte County, Idaho

Avg pH

N/A

Texture

Unknown

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

N/A

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Butte County, Idaho

High Desert Soil Identity

Butte County's soil pH is currently unrecorded, but Idaho's average of 6.04 suggests a slightly acidic environment compared to the 6.5 national median. This chemical makeup influences which minerals are available to plants in this high-elevation landscape. Understanding these levels is essential for successful desert gardening.

Texture and Survival

The specific blend of sand, silt, and clay in Butte County has not been formally cataloged in the current dataset. In dry environments, this texture determines how long the soil can hold onto precious moisture after a rain event. Digging a small test pit can reveal whether your soil is gritty, silky, or sticky.

Building Fertile Ground

Though specific local data is missing, the state's average organic matter of 27.53% is vastly higher than the 2.0% national benchmark. This implies that Idaho soils have the potential to be incredibly nutrient-dense. Utilizing the state's average water capacity of 0.269 in/in helps plants survive the arid conditions of Butte County.

Managing Water in Butte

Drainage classifications for this county are not yet available, which makes water management a top priority for residents. Knowing how your soil handles water is vital for both irrigation efficiency and protecting building foundations. Monitoring your land during the spring thaw will provide the best clues for drainage needs.

Resilience in Zone 5a

Butte County sits in hardiness zone 5a, meaning local plants must be extremely cold-tolerant. Short-season crops like radishes, spinach, and certain types of squash perform well here if planted after the last frost. Embrace the challenge of high-altitude gardening and start your cold-hardy beds today.

Soil Composition

Composition data not available for this county.

Soil pH

pH data not available for this county.

Soil Series

Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.

Hydrologic Group

Hydrologic group data not available.

Drainage Class

Drainage class data not available.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Unknown

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Butte County have?

Butte County's soil is classified as Unknown. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — sand percentage unavailable, silt percentage unavailable, and clay percentage unavailable. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.

Is Butte County's soil acidic or alkaline?

pH data is not available for Butte County.

What is the drainage class for Butte County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Butte County.

What crops or plants grow well in Butte County's soil?

Based on Butte County's Unknown texture, soil pH, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for a variety of crops depending on local conditions.

What USDA soil order is found in Butte County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Butte County is not currently available in our dataset.

Other Counties in Idaho

Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.