Tehama County, California

Survey Area CA645• 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 Tehama County, California. 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
Toomes very rocky loam, 10 to 30 percent slopes	88K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sheetiron gravelly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	88K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Newville gravelly loam, 10 to 40 percent slopes, MLRA 17	80K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Toomes very rocky loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	62K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Toomes extremely rocky loam, 1 to 50 percent slopes	60K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
McCarthy sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	39K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lodo and Maymen shaly loams, 30 to 65 percent slopes, eroded	36K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Corning-Newville gravelly loams, 3 to 10 percent slopes , eroded	36K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Newville gravelly loam, 10 to 30 percent slopes	35K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tuscan cobbly loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rockland	32K	Excessively drained		Very limited	Very limited
Parrish gravelly loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes, MLRA 15	30K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sheetiron gravelly loam, 50 to 65 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Millsholm loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes, MLRA 15	26K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Arbuckle gravelly loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, MLRA 17	25K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Corning-Redding gravelly loams, 0 to 5 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sehorn clay and Clay loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Supan stony loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Arbuckle gravelly loam, clayey substratum, channeled	20K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Newville-Dibble complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	D	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.

Inceptisols

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

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.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Entisols

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

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 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

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.