Ventura Area, California
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 Ventura Area, California.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badland | 26K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Calleguas very channery loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| San Benito clay loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded, MLRA 20 | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Castaic-Balcom complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Castaic and Saugus soils, 30 to 75 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Soper gravelly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded, MLRA 20 | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Camarillo loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mocho loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, warm MAAT, MLRA 19 | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sedimentary rock land | 13K | Excessively drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Hambright very rocky loam, 15 to 75 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calleguas-Arnold complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, erod ed | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hueneme loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nacimiento silty clay loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, warm MAAT, MLRA 20 | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riverwash | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| San Benito clay loam, 50 to 75 percent slopes, MLRA 20 | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mocho loam, 2 to 9 percent slopes, warm MAAT, MLRA 19 | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sorrento loam, 2 to 9 percent slopes, warm MAAT, MLRA 19 | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Linne silty clay loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pico sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gaviota rocky sandy loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 75% 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 86% 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.