Merced County, California, Western Part
The most common soil here is Woo, on about 5% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Arburua and Dospalos come next.
About 54% of the land drains well, and 39% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 41% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 86% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 35% 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 County, California, Western Part, 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 County, California, Western Part. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolfar clay loam, partially drained | 20K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woo clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 18K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Turlock sandy loam | 17K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oneil silt loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stanislaus clay loam | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Triangle clay, alkali | 15K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dospalos clay loam, partially drained | 15K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quinto-Millsholm-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 75 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Triangle clay | 14K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dospalos clay, partially drained | 13K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pedcat clay loam, leveled, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arburua loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, MLRA 15 | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alros clay loam, partially drained | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Franciscan-Quinto-Honker complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes, MLRA 15 | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arburua loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, MLRA 15 | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wisflat-Rock outcrop-Arburua , 30 to 50 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Millsholm loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes, dry, MLRA 15 | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deldota clay, partially drained | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dosamigos clay loam, partially drained | 8K | Somewhat poorly 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 86% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.