Tulare County, California, Central Part
The dominant drainage class is 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 Tulare County, California, Central Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blasingame-Rock outcrop complex, 9 to 50 percent slopes | 77K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Auberry-Rock outcrop complex, 9 to 50 percent slopes | 65K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cieneba-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 75 percent slopes | 61K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vista-Rock outcrop complex, 9 to 50 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Friant-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 75 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cibo-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| San Joaquin loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 32K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Centerville clay, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blasingame sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coarsegold loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Porterville clay, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| San Joaquin loam, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Exeter loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blasingame sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holland-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 15K | B | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Auberry sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crouch-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 12K | A | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Auberry sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sheephead-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 75 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Porterville clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | 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. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.