Jackson County Area, Oregon, Parts of Jackson and Klamath Counties

Survey Area OR632• Oregon

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 Jackson County Area, Oregon, Parts of Jackson and Klamath Counties. 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
Pokegema-Woodcock complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes, mlra 21	77K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Vannoy-Voorhies complex, 35 to 55 percent south slopes, MLRA 5	54K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Caris-Offenbacher gravelly loams, 50 to 75 percent south slopes	43K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Caris-Offenbacher gravelly loams, 50 to 80 percent north slopes	43K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Medco-McMullin complex, 12 to 50 percent slopes	37K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vannoy silt loam, 12 to 35 percent south slopes	34K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
McNull-Medco complex, high precipitation, 12 to 50 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Woodcock-Pokegema complex, 12 to 35 percent south slopes, mlra 21	33K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
McMullin-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pinehurst-Greystoke complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Carney clay, 5 to 20 percent slopes	30K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vannoy silt loam, 35 to 75 percent north slopes, MLRA 5	23K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
McMullin-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 35 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Agate-Winlo complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Woodcock-Pokegema complex, 12 to 35 percent north slopes, mlra 21	20K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Farva very cobbly loam, 12 to 35 percent south slopes	19K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Freezener gravelly loam, 12 to 35 percent south slopes	19K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Carney cobbly clay, 20 to 35 percent slopes	18K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
McNull loam, 12 to 35 percent north slopes	18K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Farva very cobbly loam, 12 to 35 percent north slopes	17K	Well drained	B	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.

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.

Andisols

Volcanic ash soils — light, porous, and fertile. Excellent drainage, but low density can complicate foundations.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Vertisols

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

Ultisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 79% 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 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.