Sutter County, California
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Sutter County, California.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Lake clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, MLRA 17 | 30K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Capay silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conejo-Tisdale complex, 0 percent slopes, MLRA 17 | 23K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Oswald clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Olashes sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nueva loam, 0 to 1 percent | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marcum-Gridley clay loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cometa loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Subaco clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palls-Stohlman stony sandy loams, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Capay silty clay, wet 0 to 2 percent | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| San Joaquin sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gridley clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shanghai silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tisdale clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Conejo loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, MLRA 17 | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palls-Stohlman stony loams, cool, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marcum clay loam, siltstone substratum, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Yuvas loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Capay silty clay, siltstone substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 73% 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 96% 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.