San Benito soil series

What this means

What San Benito soil means for gardens, lawns and septic systems

For gardens

Typical topsoil in San Benito soils is slightly alkaline: pH 7.5 (most land between 6.8 and 8.0). Acid-loving plants such as blueberries and azaleas struggle without amended beds, and some trees and shrubs show iron chlorosis (yellow leaves with green veins).

Loamy topsoil (loam, silt loam and similar) covers 87% of mapped San Benito acres: generally the easiest soil to garden, holding moisture without staying waterlogged. The most common surface texture is clay loam (86% of mapped San Benito acres).

90% of mapped San Benito acres is moderately well to excessively drained, which suits most garden plants.

For lawns and yards

On 73% of mapped acres, rain soaks in slowly (hydrologic groups C and D, including dual groups that are D until drained). Expect runoff and puddles after heavy rain: core-aerate compacted lawns and keep ground sloping away from foundations.

For a septic system

For conventional septic absorption fields, NRCS rates 87% of the acres in mapped San Benito soils very limited, 0% somewhat limited and 0% not limited (13% not rated, such as urban land, pits or water).

Where the soil is very limited (slow permeability, a high water table, flooding, shallow bedrock or steep slopes), alternative systems such as mound or sand-filter designs are common and cost more.

Only a licensed site evaluation or perc test at the actual lot decides whether a system is allowed and which design.

Generated from the mapped numbers above using fixed rules, not a site visit. See how these notes are written.