Santa Cruz County, California
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Santa Cruz County, California.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Lomond-Catelli-Sur complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ben Lomond-Felton complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sur-Catelli complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nisene-Aptos complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lompico-Felton complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes, MLRA 4B | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lompico-Felton complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, MLRA 4B | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maymen-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lompico-Felton complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maymen stony loam, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Watsonville loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ben Lomond sandy loam, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ben Lomond-Felton complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonnydoon-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 85 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zayante coarse sand, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elkhorn sandy loam, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Soquel loam, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nisene-Aptos complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Watsonville loam, thick surface, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tierra-Watsonville complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Santa Lucia channery clay loam, 50 to 75 percent slopes, isomesic, MLRA 4B-7 | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 89% 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 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.