Kern County, Northeastern Part, and Southeastern Part of Tulare County, California
The most common soil here is Chanac, on about 7% of the land: a sandy clay loam, gritty but holds together. Arujo and Pleito come next.
About 97% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 95% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 71% 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, Northeastern Part, and Southeastern Part of Tulare County, California, 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 C (slow infiltration, moderate 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, Northeastern Part, and Southeastern Part of Tulare County, California. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 95% 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 96% 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.