San Joaquin County Soil Data
San Joaquin County, California
Avg pH
6.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.8%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in San Joaquin County, California
The Gold Standard for Agriculture
San Joaquin County boasts a near-perfect pH of 6.52, aligning almost exactly with the national median of 6.5. This neutral profile makes it one of the most versatile and productive agricultural regions in the state. The soil chemistry is ideally suited for a vast array of crops.
A Balanced and Productive Mix
The soil consists of 43.2% sand, 30.8% silt, and 22.1% clay. This balanced texture offers excellent workability while retaining enough clay to hold onto vital nutrients. It is a dream composition for both commercial farmers and backyard gardeners.
Richest Organic Matter in the Region
Organic matter is impressively high at 3.84%, well above the California state average of 3.30%. With a water capacity of 0.143 in/in, these soils are built for high-yield productivity. This natural fertility reduces the need for heavy chemical fertilizers.
Managing Infiltration and Runoff
Falling into hydrologic group D, these soils can have low infiltration rates when they become saturated. This characteristic requires careful drainage management for both large-scale farming and home gardening. Proper irrigation scheduling is key to avoiding standing water in these heavy soils.
California's Garden in Zone 9b
The 9b hardiness zone is world-renowned for grapes, walnuts, and cherries. You are living on some of the best soil in California, offering limitless potential for your home garden. Start planting your dream orchard today and enjoy the bounty of the valley.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does San Joaquin County have?
San Joaquin County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 43% sand, 31% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is San Joaquin County's soil acidic or alkaline?
San Joaquin County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for San Joaquin County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for San Joaquin County.
What crops or plants grow well in San Joaquin County's soil?
Based on San Joaquin County's Loam texture, pH of 6.5, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in San Joaquin County?
The dominant USDA soil order for San Joaquin County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for San Joaquin 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.