Tulare County, California, Central Part

Survey Area CA660• California

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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. 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
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

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.

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.

Inceptisols

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

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

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.