Merced County, California, Western Part
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 County, California, Western Part.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 85% 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 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
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.