Merced Area, California
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Merced Area, California.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redding gravelly loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, dry | 36K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Delhi sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fresno loam, moderately saline-sodic, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hilmar loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hilmar loamy sand, slightly saline-alkali, 0 to 3 percent slope | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fresno loam, strongly saline-sodic, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atwater sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fresno loam, slightly saline-sodic, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Honcut silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Yokohl clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pentz gravelly loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atwater loamy sand, deep over hardpan, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Atwater loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lewis silty clay loam, moderately saline-alkali, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wyman loam, deep over hardpan, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wyman clay loam, deep over hardpan, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lewis silty clay loam, slightly saline-alkali, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Traver fine sandy loam, moderately saline-alkali, 0 to 1 percen slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Landlow silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| San Joaquin sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 53% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 93% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.