Kern County, California, Southeastern Part
The most common soil here is Cajon, on about 16% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Walong and Garlock come next.
About 96% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 93% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 62% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 43% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Kern County, California, Southeastern Part, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Kern County, California, Southeastern Part. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cajon loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 153K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Garlock loamy sand, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 56K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Neuralia sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, very steep | 38K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Walong sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xerolls-Rock outcrop complex, very steep | 30K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Walong-Edmundston association, very steep | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alko-Neuralia sandy loams, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cajon gravelly loamy sand, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 24K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Xerorthents-Rock outcrop complex, very steep | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muroc-Randsburg sandy loams, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Randsburg sandy loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Anaverde gravelly loam, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arizo gravelly loamy sand, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 20K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Godde-Tollhouse gravelly sandy loams, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Walong sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunis-Walong complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hesperia sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Jawbone gravelly loamy sand, 15 to 75 percent slopes | 13K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xeric Torriorthents, very steep | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 62% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 93% 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.