Western Riverside Area, California

Survey Area CA679• 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 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 Western Riverside Area, 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
Cieneba rocky sandy loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes, eroded	115K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tollhouse rocky coarse sandy loam, 8 to 50 percent slopes, eroded	59K	Excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rockland	49K			Not rated	Not rated
Hanford coarse sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	39K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Badland	31K			Very limited	Very limited
Friant rocky fine sandy loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes, eroded	31K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lodo rocky loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes, eroded	29K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Terrace escarpments	27K			Not rated	Not rated
Greenfield sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, eroded	23K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Cajalco rocky fine sandy loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes, eroded	23K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sheephead sandy loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes, eroded, stony	21K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Crafton rocky sandy loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes, eroded	19K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Temescal rocky loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes, eroded	16K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rough broken land	15K			Very limited	Very limited
Gullied land	15K			Very limited	Very limited
Ramona sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	14K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Water	14K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Fallbrook rocky sandy loam, shallow, 15 to 50 percent slopes, eroded	13K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Monserate sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hanford coarse sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	10K	Well drained	A	Somewhat 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.

Entisols

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

Mollisols

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

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 67% 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 84% 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.