Stanislaus County, California, Western Part

Survey Area CA642• 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 Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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, Western 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
Gonzaga-Honker-Franciscan complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes, MLRA 15	28K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wisflat-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes	23K		D	Very limited	Very limited
Wisflat-Arburua-San Timoteo complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes, MLRA 15	20K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Honker-Vallecitos-Honker, eroded, complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes, MLRA 15	19K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Arburua-Contra Costa-Wisflat complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Arburua-Contra Costa-Wisflat complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wisflat-Arburua-San Timoteo complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, MLRA 15	16K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gaviota gravelly loam, 30 to 75 percent slopes, eroded, MLRA 15	14K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gonzaga-Honker-Franciscan complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, MLRA 15	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Vernalis-Zacharias complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Capay clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, MLRA 17	11K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Franciscan-Quinto-Honker complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes, MLRA 15	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Alo-Vaquero complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, MLRA 15	9K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vernalis clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Vernalis loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Capay clay, wet, 0 percent slopes, MLRA 17	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Stomar clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gaviota loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Henneke-Hentine-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Zacharias clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Somewhat 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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 86% 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 88% 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.