Yolo County, California

Survey Area CA113• 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 Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Yolo County, 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
Yolo silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, MLRA 17	41K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Capy silty clay, 0 percent slopes, MLRA 17	34K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Millsholm rocky loam, 15 to 75 percent slopes, eroded	30K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock land	29K	Well drained		Very limited	Very limited
Rincon silty clay loam	25K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sacramento clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, MLRA 17	23K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Brentwood silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Corning gravelly loam, 0 to 12 percent slopes, MLRA 17	22K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Marvin silty clay loam	21K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Dibble clay loam, 14 to 55 percent slopes, eroded, MLRA 15	18K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sehorn-Balcom complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, eroded	18K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Balcom-Dibble complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded	16K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tehama loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, loamy substratum, MLRA 17	16K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sehorn-Balcom complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Balcom silty clay loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sacramento clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, dry, MLRA 16	12K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sacramento soils, flooded	12K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Clear Lake soils, flooded	12K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sehorn-Balcom complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded	11K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Capay soils, overwash, 0 percent slopes, frequently flooded, MLRA 17	11K	Moderately 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.

Inceptisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Mollisols

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

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 90% 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 100% 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.