Tulare County, Western Part, California
The most common soil here is Colpien, on about 10% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Nord and Exeter come next.
About 43% of the land drains well, and 18% stays wet for long stretches.
USDA rates 72% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 99% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Tulare County, Western Part, California, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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, Western Part, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nord fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 88K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Colpien loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 85K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Exeter loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 66K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Akers-Akers, saline-Sodic, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hanford sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Flamen loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 41K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Calgro-Calgro, saline-Sodic, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 37K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crosscreek-Kai association, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tagus loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quonal-Lewis association, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gareck-Garces association, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nahrub silt loam, overwashed, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grangeville sandy loam, drained, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gambogy-Biggriz, saline-Sodic, association, drained, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gambogy loam, drained, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 21K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Biggriz-Biggriz, saline-Sodic, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| San Joaquin loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yettem sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atesh-Jerryslu association, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kimberlina fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes MLRA 17 | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 99% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 72% 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.