Josephine County, Oregon
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 Josephine County, Oregon.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speaker-Josephine gravelly loams, 35 to 55 percent south slopes | 87K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beekman-Colestine complex, 50 to 80 percent north slopes | 77K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Josephine gravelly loam, 35 to 55 percent north slopes | 71K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beekman-Colestine complex, 50 to 75 percent south slopes | 58K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vermisa-Beekman complex, 60 to 100 percent south slopes | 56K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vermisa-Beekman complex, 60 to 100 percent north slopes | 43K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vermisa-Rock outcrop complex, 60 to 100 percent south slopes | 37K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beekman-Vermisa complex, 60 to 100 percent north slopes | 34K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pearsoll-Rock outcrop complex, 60 to 90 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pearsoll-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beekman-Vermisa complex, 60 to 100 percent south slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cornutt-Dubakella complex, 35 to 55 percent south slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vannoy-Voorhies complex, 35 to 55 percent south slopes, MLRA 5 | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dubakella-Pearsoll complex, 35 to 70 percent south slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jayar very gravelly loam, 35 to 70 percent north slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dubakella-Pearsoll complex, 35 to 75 percent north slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Josephine gravelly loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cornutt-Dubakella complex, 35 to 55 percent north slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vannoy silt loam, 35 to 75 percent north slopes, MLRA 5 | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Siskiyou gravelly sandy loam, 35 to 60 percent south slopes, low precip | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 100% 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.