Kings 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 Kings County, California.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tulare clay, partially drained, MLRA 17 | 118K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lethent clay loam | 50K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Not limited |
| Kimberlina fine sandy loam, saline-alkali | 37K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Panoche loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westcamp loam, partially drained | 34K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armona loam, partially drained | 30K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gepford clay, partially drained | 30K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wasco sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Nord complex | 29K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nord fine sandy loam | 28K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gepford clay, sandy substratum, partially drained | 27K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kettleman-Cantua complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houser clay, partially drained | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kimberlina saline alkali-Garces complex | 17K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Delgado sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kettleman loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Calflax clay loam, saline-sodic, 0 to 2 percent slopes, MLRA 17 | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakeside loam, partially drained | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kimberlina fine sandy loam, sandy substratum | 11K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Gaviota-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes, MLRA 15 | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% 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 75% 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.