San Joaquin County, California

Survey Area CA077• California

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Joaquin County, California. 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
Tokay fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Rindge muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, partially drained, MLRA 16	31K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Merritt silty clay loam, partially drained, 0 to 2 percent slopes	28K	Poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hollenbeck silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	26K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Jacktone clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	24K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Capay clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, MLRA 17	24K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Veritas fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	24K	Moderately well drained	A	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Redding gravelly loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, dry	24K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	22K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Archerdale clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Delhi loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, MLRA 17	19K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Kingile muck, partially drained, 0 to 2 percent slopes, MLRA 16	18K	Very poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Jacktone-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	18K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Stockton clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes	17K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Madera sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	17K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Tinnin loamy coarse sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Peltier mucky clay loam, partially drained, 0 to 2 percent slopes, MLRA 16	16K	Poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Capay clay, wet, 0 percent slopes, MLRA 17	14K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Guard clay loam, drained, 0 to 2 percent slopes	14K	Poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cogna loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat 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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Alfisols

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

Vertisols

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

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 68% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 85% 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.