Mendocino County, Western Part, California

Survey Area CA694• California

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Mendocino County, Western Part, 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
Ornbaun-Zeni complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	92K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Yellowhound-Kibesillah complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes, MLRA 4B	65K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Dehaven-Hotel complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes	54K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ornbaun-Zeni complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes	54K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Irmulco-Tramway complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	54K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Holohan-Hollowtree-Casabonne complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, MLRA 5	47K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Yellowhound-Kibesillah-Ornbaun complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, MLRA 4B	42K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Irmulco-Tramway complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes	37K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Casabonne-Wohly complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	36K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ornbaun-Zeni complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Vandamme loam, 9 to 30 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Yellowhound-Woodin-Ornbaun complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Woodin-Yellowhound complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	21K	Somewhat excessively drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Holohan-Hollowtree complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Casabonne-Wohly complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Yellowhound-Woodin complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Gibsoncreek-Sproulish-Redwohly complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Irmulco-Tramway complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hopland-Wohly complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gschwend-Frenchman complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not 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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 98% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include 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.