Josephine County, Oregon

Survey Area OR033• 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 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 Josephine County, Oregon. 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
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

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.

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.

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.