San Benito County Soil Data
San Benito County, California
Avg pH
6.7
Texture
Coarse sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.0%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in San Benito County, California
Neutral Soils with Coarse Character
San Benito features a coarse sand texture with an average pH of 6.69. This level is nearly identical to the national median of 6.5, offering an ideal neutral environment for most crops. The balanced chemistry supports a wide variety of agricultural uses.
Sand-Heavy Mix for Easy Workability
The composition is 41.4% sand, 31.9% silt, and 23.5% clay. This mix creates a soil that is easy to work and dig but requires careful management of its clay component. The high silt and clay levels help hold nutrients that sand alone would lose.
Strong Water Retention for Growth
Organic matter reaches 3.00%, which is higher than the national average but slightly below the 3.30% state level. The water capacity of 0.147 in/in beats the state average of 0.141 in/in, meaning this land holds moisture remarkably well. These fertile conditions provide a strong foundation for local orchards.
High Runoff Potential in Group D
Classified in hydrologic group D, these soils have a high runoff potential when they become thoroughly wet. Farmers and builders must manage irrigation and drainage carefully to avoid surface saturation. Strategic landscaping can help direct water flow and prevent erosion on hillsides.
Orchards and Vineyards in Zone 9b
Zone 9b supports a thriving wine and orchard culture in San Benito's Mediterranean climate. Plant some heirloom fruit trees or a backyard vineyard to take advantage of these water-retentive soils. Your garden will thrive in the county's warm days and cool nights.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Coarse sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does San Benito County have?
San Benito County's soil is classified as Coarse sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 32% silt, and 24% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is San Benito County's soil acidic or alkaline?
San Benito County's soil has a pH of 6.7, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for San Benito County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for San Benito County.
What crops or plants grow well in San Benito County's soil?
Based on San Benito County's Coarse sand texture, pH of 6.7, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists.
What USDA soil order is found in San Benito County?
The dominant USDA soil order for San Benito County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for San Benito County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in California
Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.