Stanislaus County, California, Northern Part

Survey Area CA632• 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 Stanislaus County, California, Northern 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
Pentz-Peters association, 2 to 15 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pentz-Peters association, 2 to 50 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Peters-Pentz association, 2 to 8 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Amador sandy loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Miltonhills-Amador complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
San Joaquin sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Madera sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Archerdale clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bonanza-Loafercreek-Gopheridge complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Redding gravelly loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, dry	3K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cometa sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
San Joaquin sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Archerdale-Hicksville association, 0 to 2 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	2K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Hicksville loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	2K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Honcut sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Exeter sandy clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	2K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bonanza-Loafercreek complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pentz sandy loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Columbia sandy loam, drained, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	939	Somewhat poorly drained	A	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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 97% 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.