Yolo County Soil Data
Yolo County, California
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.8
Texture
Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Yolo County, California
Balanced, Near-Neutral Soils in Yolo
Yolo County features an average soil pH of 6.78, placing it slightly above the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity level is more alkaline than the California state average of 6.34, providing a versatile foundation for varied agriculture.
A Heavy Mix of Silt and Clay
The county's soil profile contains 40.2% silt and 29.1% clay, creating a dense texture that holds onto nutrients effectively. With sand making up only 28.2%, these soils offer high workability but may require careful management to prevent compaction.
High Water Capacity Despite Lower Organic Levels
Yolo's organic matter sits at 1.95%, which falls below the state average of 3.30% and just under the national average of 2.0%. However, its available water capacity of 0.154 in/in exceeds the California average, ensuring plants have steady access to moisture.
Managing High Runoff Potential
Classified in Hydrologic Group D, Yolo soils exhibit low infiltration rates and high runoff potential when thoroughly wet. Farmers and builders must plan for slow drainage, as these heavy soil layers resist rapid water movement compared to sandy neighbors.
Abundant Harvests in Zone 9b
With a soil score of 49.3 outperforming the state average, Yolo is a premier region for tomatoes, almonds, and sunflowers. Use the long growing season of Hardiness Zone 9b to establish a thriving home garden in this productive Central Valley earth.
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
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Yolo County have?
Yolo County's soil is classified as Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 28% sand, 40% silt, and 29% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Yolo County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Yolo County's soil has a pH of 6.8, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Yolo County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Yolo County.
What crops or plants grow well in Yolo County's soil?
Based on Yolo County's Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.8, 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 Yolo County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Yolo County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Yolo County
Soil Verdict
Yolo County is in USDA hardiness zone 9b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 25°F. Warm winters keep soil biology active nearly year-round, accelerating decomposition but increasing pest and disease pressure in topsoil.
Planting Guidance
Tropical and subtropical plants are viable. Year-round gardening is possible, though summer heat may limit some cool-season crops. Frost is rare; tender plants can overwinter with minimal protection. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Rapid organic matter turnover means soils can become nutrient-poor quickly; test annually and fertilize based on results. High soil temperatures favor certain soilborne pathogens; practice crop rotation and avoid overwatering.
Regional Context
Yolo County closely matches the California average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 9a-9b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Yolo 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.