Kern County, California, Northwestern 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 Kern County, California, Northwestern Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kimberlina fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes MLRA 17 | 117K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Milham sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes MLRA 17 | 97K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Panoche clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 96K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Garces silt loam | 86K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wasco sandy loam | 81K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nahrub, drained-Lethent complex | 36K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calflax clay loam, saline-sodic, 0 to 2 percent slopes, MLRA 17 | 34K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| McFarland loam | 32K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Buttonwillow clay, drained | 26K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kimberlina sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Twisselman clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Panoche clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kilmer-Hillbrick complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes, MLRA 15 | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lokern clay, drained | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kimberlina-Urban land-Cajon complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | A | Very limited | Not rated | |
| Elkhills-Torriorthents stratified, eroded complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Delano sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Granoso sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, overwash | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Granoso loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kimberlina gravelly sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 92% 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 47% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
Gardening & Agriculture
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.