Mendocino National Forest Area, California

Survey Area CA709• California

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 National Forest Area, 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
Colluvial land, 60 to 75 percent slopes	35K	Excessively drained		Not rated	Not rated
Sheetiron very gravelly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sheetiron very gravelly loam, 50 to 75 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sheetiron-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 50 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Yollabolly very rocky loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes, low ffd	24K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Madonna complex, 10 to 50 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rock land, mixed rocks	17K	Excessively drained		Not rated	Not rated
Los Osos-Yorkville complex, 10 to 50 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Madonna gravelly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, rocky	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Yollabolly-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes	12K	Excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tyson very gravelly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, rocky	8K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Maymen gravelly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Landslides, active, 20 to 65 percent slopes	8K			Not rated	Not rated
Landslides, inactive, 10 to 50 percent slopes complex	6K			Not rated	Not rated
Tyson-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 50 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Etsel very gravelly loam, 50 to 75 percent slopes, rocky	3K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Shortyork-Yorkville-Witherell complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, MLRA 5	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Masterson very gravelly loam, 10 to 40 percent slopes, eroded	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Etsel-Rock outcrop, sedimentary complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes	2K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Masterson very gravelly loam, 10 to 40 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	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.

Inceptisols

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

Mollisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 76% 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 76% 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.