Merced County, California, Western Part

Survey Area CA647• California

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.

Alfisols

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

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.

Inceptisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

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.