Solano County Soil Data
Solano County, California
Avg pH
6.1
Texture
Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.3%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Solano County, California
Productive Soils of the Delta Fringe
Solano County earns a soil score of 51.3, placing it slightly above the state average of 48.6. Its average pH is 6.12, making it more acidic than the state average of 6.34 and the national median of 6.5. This mild acidity is generally favorable for a wide variety of California native plants and crops.
A Substantial and Heavy Texture
The soil composition is 27.7% clay, 35.1% silt, and 30.3% sand. This relatively high clay content provides excellent nutrient retention but can make the soil heavy and harder to work when wet. Gardeners will find that this mix holds onto water longer than the sandier soils of the coast.
Meeting State Fertility Standards
Solano's organic matter sits at 3.28%, which is almost identical to the state average of 3.30%. The available water capacity is 0.139 inches per inch, nearly matching the state benchmark of 0.141. These figures indicate a reliable soil that, with moderate care, provides a stable environment for growth.
Slow Drainage and High Runoff
Falling into Hydrologic Group D, Solano soils have a very slow infiltration rate when thoroughly wetted. This high clay content means water may pool on the surface during intense rains. If you are building or farming, ensuring proper drainage is essential to prevent soil compaction and root rot.
Bountiful Harvests in Zone 9b
Hardiness Zone 9b makes Solano County a prime location for stone fruits like apricots and plums. The warm, dry summers and mild winters are also perfect for Mediterranean herbs and hardy vegetables. Start your garden now to enjoy the high productivity of these well-balanced delta-region soils.
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: Clay Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Solano County have?
Solano County's soil is classified as Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 35% silt, and 28% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Solano County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Solano County's soil has a pH of 6.1, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Solano County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Solano County.
What crops or plants grow well in Solano County's soil?
Based on Solano County's Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.1, 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 Solano County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Solano County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Solano 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.