Kern County, Northeastern Part, and Southeastern Part of Tulare County, California
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, Northeastern Part, and Southeastern Part of Tulare County, California.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chanac-Pleito complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chanac-Pleito-Premier association, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arujo-Feethill-Sesame association, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scodie-Canebrake-Deadfoot complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 29K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arujo-Walong-Tunis association, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Feethill-Vista-Walong association, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tweedy-Tunis-Rankor association, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arujo-Walong-Tunis association, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cieneba-Vista-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Walong-Blasingame-Rock outcrop association, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pleito-Trigo-Chanac complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xeric Torriorthents-Calcic Haploxerepts association, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sacatar-Wortley-Calpine complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chaix-Ultic Haploxerolls-Tollhouse association, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pleito-Chanac-Raggulch complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tweedy-Walong association, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunis-Tollhouse-Sorrell association, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kernville-Faycreek-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brecken-Cuyama-Pleito complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Walong-Tunis-Rock outcrop association, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 12K | 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. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.