Fresno County, California, Western Part
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 Fresno County, California, Western Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cerini clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 81K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tranquillity-Tranquillity, wet, complex, saline-sodic, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 63K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calflax clay loam, saline-sodic, wet, 0 to 1 percent slopes, MLRA 17 | 56K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tranquillity clay, saline-sodic, wet, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 55K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ciervo clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 51K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ciervo, wet-Ciervo complex, saline-sodic, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 46K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Currymountain-Wisflat-Borreguero association, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tachi clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 31K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grazer-Wisflat-Arburua association, 8 to 50 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Excelsior sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, MLRA 17 | 30K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Panoche clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Westhaven loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roacha-Millsholm-Lilten association, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westhaven clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Polvadero-Guijarral complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Excelsior sandy loam, sandy substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wekoda clay, partially drained, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 20K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Exclose-Wisflat-Grazer association, 15 to 65 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armona loam, partially drained, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Altamont-Roacha-Borreguero association, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 96% 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 85% 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.