Kern County, California, Southwest Part
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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, Southwest Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cerini loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Guijarral-Klipstein complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Calflax loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Excelsior sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, MLRA 17 | 20K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Guijarral gravelly sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kimberlina fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes MLRA 17 | 16K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bakersfield fine sandy loam, drained, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loslobos-Xeric Torriorthents, very gravelly-Badland association, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Premier sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Copus silty clay, partially drained, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Very poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kimberlina fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Guijarral sandy loam, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Area not surveyed, access denied | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Littlesignal-Badland-Cochora association, 15 to 75 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pleito-Emidio-Loslobos association, 15 to 75 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lokern clay, drained, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Garces loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Excelsior fine sandy loam, saline-sodic, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Loslobos-Calleguas association, 30 to 100 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oldriver loam, partially drained, sodic, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 89% 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 36% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.