In California, there are four main types of soil: sand, silt, clay, and loam.

Clay soils make up most of the soil within Southern California coastal communities. From
Imperial Beach all the way up to Pismo, the soils are heavily filled with clay.

Sandy soil is found near and around the coast with mountain foothills, rivers, and streams in
the East and Southeast of California. Sandy soils are 80 to 100 percent sand, up to 10 percent
silt, and up to 10 percent clay. They are light and free draining but lack organic content and
water retention.

Loamy soil favorable mix of sand and clay can be found in valleys or flat areas surrounding
rivers and streams.