Yuba County, California

Survey Area CA618• 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 Yuba 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
San Joaquin loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	56K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sobrante-Auburn complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Conejo loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, MLRA 17	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sites silt loam, 9 to 15 percent slopes, N low montane	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Redding gravelly loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, MLRA 17	9K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sites silt loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, N low montane	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sobrante-Auburn complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sobrante-Auburn complex, gravelly, 8 to 15 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kimball loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
WATER	7K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Hollenbeck silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
DUMPS, MINE TAILINGS	6K			Very limited	Very limited
Sobrante-Timbuctoo complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Surnuf cobbly loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sobrante-Auburn complex, gravelly, 15 to 30 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sobrante-Timbuctoo complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Argonaut-Auburn complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Chawanakee-Chaix-Hotaw complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sites gravelly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Holland-Hoda-Hotaw complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	4K	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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 85% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 96% 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.