Palo Verde Area, California
The dominant drainage class is 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 Palo Verde Area, California.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial silty clay | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carsitas-Rositas-Buzzardsprings complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Holtville silty clay | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rositas fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gilman fine sandy loam | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Meloland fine sandy loam | 8K | Well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carrizo gravelly sand | 6K | Excessively drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Typic Haplocambids-Snaggletooth complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cibola silty clay loam | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rositas silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Glenbar silty clay loam | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilman silty clay loam | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Aco sandy loam | 4K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Indio very fine sandy loam | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ripley very fine sandy loam | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ripley silty clay loam | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Badland | 3K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Meloland silty clay laom | 3K | Well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buzzardsprings-Catfishbay taxadjunct-Catfishbay complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chemehuevi extremely gravelly loam-Rizzo occasionally flooded complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 52% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 71% 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.