Merced Area, California
The most common soil here is Delhi, on about 7% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Fresno and Redding come next.
About 49% of the land drains well, and 21% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 25% of it.
USDA rates 92% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 61% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 11% 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 Merced Area, 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 Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Merced 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 61% 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 92% 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.