Stanislaus County, California, Northern Part
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 Stanislaus County, California, Northern Part.
| 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 |
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.