San Benito County, California
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 San Benito County, California.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedimentary rock land | 66K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| San Benito clay loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded, MLRA 15 | 57K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gaviota rocky loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 31K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vallecitos rocky loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 31K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sheridan coarse sandy loam, 30 to 75 percent slopes, severely eroded | 30K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Badland | 30K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| San Benito clay loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, eroded, MLRA 15 | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vallecitos loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kettleman soils, 15 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 23K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cibo cobbly clay, 15 to 75 percent slopes, stony, eroded | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Diablo clay, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded, MLRA 15 | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Borreguero-Sancarlos-Currymountain association, 20 to 65 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Diablo clay, 15 to 30 percent slopes, eroded, MLRA 15 | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sheridan coarse sandy loam, 30 to 75 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nacimiento loam, 30 to 75 percent slopes, severely erod ed | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gazos clay loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kettleman loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sorrento silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, MLRA 14 | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vallecitos loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cieneba gravelly sandy loam, 30 to 75 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.