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Soil
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SITY OF CA RIVERS DE L 5RAF\Y

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927 6656

Issued May 6, 1912.

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,

BUREAU OP SOILS— MILTON WHITNiT, Chief.

SOIL SURVEY OF THE RED BLUFF AREA,
CALIFORNIA.

By L. C. holmes axd E. C. ECKMAXN.

MACY H. LAPHAM, Inspector ix Charge.

[Advance Sheets— Field Operations of tlie Bureau of Soils, 1910.]

TVASHINGTON:
GOVERXilEXT PRIXTIXG OFFICE.
1912. ■

BUREAU OF SOILS.

Milton Whitnky. Chief of Bureau.
Albe:rt G. Rice, Chief Clerk.

SOIL SUEVEY.

CuBTis F. Mabbut, In charge.

Hugh II. Bennett, lusiiector in chai'ge Southern Division.
J. E. Lapiiam, Inspec-tor in ch:irge Northern Division.
Macy II. Lapham, Inspector in charge Western Division,

Issued May 6, 1912.

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,

BUREAU OF SOILS— MILTON WHITNEY. Chief.

SOIL SURVEY OF THE RED BLUFF AREA,
CALIFORNIA.

«

By L. C. HOLMES and E. C. ECKMANN.

MACY H. LAPHAM, Inspector in Charge.

[Advance Sheets— Field Operations of the Bureau of Soils, 1910.]

WASHINGTON:

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.

1912,

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

U. S. Department of Agriculture,

Bureau of Soils,
Washington, D. C, Septeniher 19, 1911.
Sir: In continuation of soil-survey work in the great interior val-
ley of California a survey was made of the Red Bluff area during
1910. This area covers a part of Tehama and Butte Counties. This
is a region of varied soils. "Wide areas, underlain by hardpan, will
never be of much value for agriculture. These areas will be used,
as they are at present, for grazing. On the other hand, there are a
number of fertile types at present used for dr\^ farming and, to a
relatively limited extent, for crops under irrigation. The develop-
ment of the region agriculturally depends upon the installation of
comprehensive irrigation works. Sufficient water to irrigate all of
the better soils now passes down the streams during the flood period.
It would be an engineering problem of great magnitude to store
these flood waters in reservoirs along the upper courses of the rivers
and to lead them thence by canals to the different parts of the area.
The question of undertaking such a project, or projects, is under
consideration, and preliminary surveys show it to be feasible. The
outlining of the soils in the area and the valuation of the different
types for the many special crops that may be grown in this region
where sufficient water is obtainable should be of value as a basis for
estimating the capital that may be safely invested in irrigation work.
I have the honor to transmit herewith the manuscript report and
map covering this area and to recommend their publication as ad-
vance sheets of Field Operations of the Bureau of Soils for 1910, as
authorized by law.

Respectfully. Milton Whitney,

Chief of Bureau.
J Ion. rlA.MKs Wjlson.

Secretary of A;/ricuUure.
2

CONTENTS,

Soil Survey of the Red Bluff Area, California, By L. C. Holmes and

E. C. ECKMANN 5

Description of the area 5

Climate 9

Agriculture 12

Irrigation and drainage 15

Soils 17

Redding loam 21

Redding gra velly sandy loam 24

Coming loa.m : 25

Coming gravelly loam 27

Tehama gravelly loam 29

Tehama silt loam 30

Tehama clay 32

Maywood loam 33

Maywood fine sandy loam 35

Maywood gravelly sandy loam 36

Maywood silt loam 37

Maywood silty clay loam 38

Kirkwood silty clay adobe .^ 39

Tuscan stony sandy loam 40

Tuscan stony loam 41

Elder gravelly fine sandy loam 42

Elder silt loam 43

Elder silty clay loam 45

Vina fine sandy loam 46

Vina loam 48

Vina clay loam 50

Vina clay adobe 51

Sacramento fine sand 52

Sacramento fine sandy loam 53

Sacramento silt loam 55

Sacramento silty clay loam 57

Riverwash 58

Rough stony land 58

Summary 59

3

ILLUSTRATIONS.

PLATES.

Page.
Plate I. Fig. 1. — Peach orchard on Cone Ranch near Red Bluff. Fig. 2. — ■
Almond orchard near Corning, on a favorably situated area of

Tehama silt loam 16

II. Fig. 1. — A successful small orange orchard near Corning, Tehama
County. Fig. 2. — Rough stony land of volcanic bowlders occun-ing
east of Vina 16

FIGURE.

Fio. 1. Sketch map showing location of the Red Bluff area, California 5

M.\P.

Soil map, Red Bluff sheet, California.
4

SOIL SURVEYOR THE RED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA.

By L. C. HOLMES and E. C. ECKMANN.

DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA.

The Red Bluff area covers the extreme northern portion of the
main Sacramento Valley and its adjacent elevated plains. The north-
em boundarv of the valley is formed by a series of low hills and
wooded slopes which
separate it from an-
other valley on the
north, known as the
Anderson Valley.^

A small area of these
low wooded hills is in-
cluded within the sur-
vey. Here the river
flows swiftly through a
narrow winding gorge
known as the Iron
Canyon, and is bor-
dered by a few small
areas of alluvial soil in
the bends. This con-
dition continues to
about 3 miles above
the city of Red Bluff,
where the hills on both
sides of the river re-
cede. At this jooint the
great valle}^ floor of
the Sacramento begins.
It extends southward ^'^- ^■'
as a valley 20 to 60
miles wide, unbroken save by the Marysville Buttes, to Sacramento
and is continued thence to Bakersfield as the San Joaquin Valley.

-Sketch map showing location of the Red Bluff
area, California.

1 This valley is included in the soil survey of the Redding area.

6 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

The Red Bluff area covers a section of the valley from its northern
end, near Rod Bluff, southward to the Colusa area, a distance of
about 27^ miles, a prolonoation of tlie eastern and western boundaries
of that area forming similar boundaries for the Red Bluff area. The
area is covered bj^ the Vina and Tehama quadranfjles of the United
States Geological Survey,, these sheets being used as base maps. An
exception is made of that part of the Vina Quadrangle previously
covered in the Colusa area and such parts of the Tehama Quadrangle
as have but comparatively little agricultural value. •

The area consists of approximately 326 square miles, or 208,640
acres, all in Tehama County with the. exception of some 10 square
miles in the southeastern corner Wn\g in Butte County. It would l)e
rectangular in shape were it not that the lower Piedmont Plain of
the Lassen Peak district, of no agricultural importance, borders the
Sacramento Ri\er rather closely in the northeastern part of the area.
The boundary of the survey is here so drawn as to include but little
of this plain, the dissected front of which forms the boundary of the
valley.

The Sacramento River enters the area near the northwest comer
and pursues a general course to the southeast corner, dividing the
area so that somewhat the greater part lies upon the west side of
the river.

At the point where the river leaves Iron Canyon and enters the
area an irregular flood plain, known as the '' Sacramento Bottoms,"
begins. This varies in width from 1 mile to several miles. Through
these bottoms the river meanders in an ever changing course. Dur-
ing excessive Hood periotls great areas of these bottom lands are
submerged and active erosion follows through the overflow waters
seeking lower levels by shorter channels than the tortuous river course.
The main channel throughout the area occupies the lowest part of
this alluvial bottom and in the main has sufficient carrying capacity
promptly to relieve flooded sections. The condition does not exist
in the Red Bkiff area as farther south whereb}' a belt of elevated
alluvial material has been built up along its banks, forming basins
to restrain escaped flood waters after the river has fallen.

Few attempts are made to levee the river and keep it within its
banks, and during flood seasons the water does considerable damage
by restricting the area suitable for agriculture.

This flood plain throughout is marked by meandering overflow
channels sometimes giving sections a much eroded surface. Such
areas are abandoned to a tangled growth of wild grape, cottonwood,
sycamore, willow, etc. The bottom lands were originally heavily
wooded with the trees mentioned and when the agricultural develop-
ment of the area started much labor and expense were necessary to
clear it. It is now as extensively cleared as flood conditions warrant,

SOIL SURVEY OF THE EED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNL\. 7

and produces a considerable proportion of the agricultural products
of the area.

The low-lying alluvial belt of the Sacramento River is bordered
along its outer edge by almost continuous terrace lines from 10 to
40 feet in height. These ascents mark the beginning f)f the plains
region, which extends back on both sides from the river to the bound-
aries of the area. These gently sloping to rolling plains constitute
the greater part of the area surveyed.

This plains region is usually treeless and of a naturally barren ap-
pearance, especially during the dry season. It has a good slope and is
traversed by many small streams flowing at right angles to the river.
Alluvial bottoms occur along many of these lateral tributaries. The
principal streams of the west side are Reed, Reclbank, Coyote, Oat,
Elder, Thomas, and Rice Creeks, all finding an outlet to the Sacra-
mento within the area. They are all intermittent streams, carry-
ing periodically considerable volumes of flood water. Redbank,
Thomas, and Elder Creeks are the principal ones of the group. The
last two deliver large volumes of water during the rainy season, but
soon dwindle once the season ends. From the eastern section several
perennial streams reach the river, together with some intermittent
streams of a character similar to those on the west side. Principal
among the former streams are Antelope, Mill, and Deer Creeks, which
deliver a continuous flow very valuable for irrigation purposes.

The population of the Red Bluft' area is principally agricultural
in character. There is a small percentage of the inhabitants de-
pendent upon industries not intimately connected with agricultural
pursuits, but in the main agriculture is their support. "Wliile a few
foreigners and recent arrivals from near-by or Eastern States are
found, the majority of the inhabitants are early pioneers and their
descendants. They originally came from the Middle Western States
and acquired large holdings of land. In many instances the large
ranches are held much as they were when grain farming first began.
Upon the plains region the population is usually very scattered.
Along the alluvial plain of the Sacramento and its small tributaries
the population is somewhat denser, but in general development of
intensive agriculture is retarded by the large land holdings.

Tehama County, within which the survey lies almost entirely,
has an area of about 3,200 square miles. It was established in 1856
from what was previously parts of Butte, Colusa, and Shasta
Counties. In 1910 the population of Tehama County was 11,401 ; in
1900 it was 10,996. The increase in population has been due almost
entirely to increase in settlement in the valley section covered by the
survey.

Red Bluff is the county seat of Tehama County, with a population
of 3,530. In 1900 it had 2,750. It is pleasantly situated upon the
10970°— 12 2

8 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

we.->t bank of the Sacramento Elver at an elevation of about 310 feet
above sea level and is the most northern city in the main plain of the
Sacramento River. The cit}' was laid out in 1850 and first named
Leodocia, quickly outstripping Tehama, an earlier settlement. Dur-
ing the mining excitement it was a great staging and transshipping
point, being the head of navigation on the Sacramento River. It lan-
guished later during the decadence of mining, but revived with the
advent of the California & Oregon Railroad in the early seventies.
It is a very substantial city at this time and the distributing point for
considerable outlying territory devoted to sheep and stock raising,
lumbering, and mining. ,

Tehama, with a population of 2-21, is located on the west bank of
the Sacramento River at the junction of the east and west side rail-
roads.

Corning, the ISIaywood Colony town and the second in size in the
area, has a population of 972. It is an agricultural town and the
shipping point for considerable territory in Tehama County lying
west of this area. Proberta and Kirkwood are other important local
shipping points on the west ?^ide of the river.

Vina is a small town upon the east side of the river on the Shasta
route of the Southern Pacific Railroad. It is noted principally as
the headquarters of the famous Stanford ranch and is an important
shipping point. Los Molinos, also upon the east side of the river, is
a newly located town, the headquarters of operations tending to open
for irrigation and settlement several thousand acres of land in that
vicinity.

The area is well supplied with schools and excellent public build-
ings. Electric lighting and telephone communication in both towns
and rural districts are in general use.

Good roads prevail and the main highways are excellently graded
and well conditioned for traffic. Railroad transportation facilities
are excellent. Two main lines of the Southern Pacific traverse the
area, one on each side of the river. At Tehama the east-side branch
crosses the river and joining the west-side brancli continues as the
main line of the Southern Pacific to Oregon. There are few points
in the area removed as much as 6 miles fi-om a shipping point on the
railroad. In addition to railroad transportation the area possesses
the advantages of river traffic. Owing to the obstructed conditions
and to the ofcurrence of long periods of low water only a few boats
reach Red lilufi" each year. They influence railroad freight rates,
and (he possibility of improving the river's channel makes the stream
a valuable natural asset.

An ele<^'tric line lias been proposed to traverse that section north
of Lf)s Molinos oast of the river. This would materially improve its
market facilities.

SOIL SUKVEY OF THE EED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA. 9

The markets for the products of the Red Bluff area are good. The
northern California and southern Oregon country consumes much
green fruit produced in this area. The dried fruits and staples, such
as grains, hops, wine, wool, etc., are shipped to more distant markets.
Vegetables, j^oultry, hay, and such products find markets in both
northern and southern towns and supply much mountainous terri-
tory devoted to other industries.

CLIMATE.

The climate of the Red Bluff area differs little in general features
from that characterizing the country known as the Great Interior
Valley of California, of w^hich it is a part. The most striking fea-
ture of the climate of this region, as compared with humid sections,
is the occurrence of a wet and dry season. The summers are prac-
tically rainless, the entire precipitation occurring during the winter
months.

The following table gives the mean monthly and annual precipita-
tion for the stations indicated:

Mean monthly and annual precipitation.

January .
February
March . . .

April

May

June

July

Red
Bluff.

Inches.
4.82
5.00
4.80
1.36
1.09
0.45
0.01

Com-
ing.

Inches.
4.51
3.03
2.56
1.62
0.93
0.21
T.

Chico.

Inches.
4.46
3.32
2.70
1.79
0.96
0.42
0.04

Orland.

Inches.
3.26
2.08
2.17
1.41
0.98
0.42
0.02

August

September.

October

November.
December.

Annual

Red
Bluff.

Corn-
ing.

Chico.

Inches.

Inches.

Inches.

T.

0.03

0.03

0.65

0.21

0.47

1.60

1.47

1.41

3.00

2.22

2.56

3.55
26.33

3.99

4.22

20.79

22. 38

Orland.

Inchei.
0.02
0.35
1.12
2.08
3.10

At Red Bluff, situated in the northern part of the area, on the
west side of the river, the means are computed from records cover-
ing the period from 1877 to 1909. The elevation is about 310 feet
above tide. Corning is located in the southwestern part of the area
on the west side, and the figures cover the period from 1886 to 1900.
Chico is situated about 5 miles east of the river and about 20 miles
south of the Red Bluff area at an elevation of 193 feet. The period
from 1871 to 1900 is covered by the figures. Orland is several miles
south of the Red Bluff area on the west side of the river at an ele-
vation of 254 feet. It will be noted that Red Blufi', at the head of
the valley, has the greatest precipitation. For points oppositely
located, however, it will be noted that the rainfall is somewhat greater
upon the east side of the river. At all stations the greatest rainfall
occurs in similar periods. The precipitation usually occurs as gentle

10

FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

showers or rains extending over several days, A great variation is
noted in the rainfall shown by calendar years. The records as kept
for seasonal precipitations commencing with September do not show
such a wide range, for the greatest rainfall of the season may occur
either before or after the end of the calendar year. The following
table shows the seasonal precipitation at Red Bluif from 1877-78
to 1909-10 :

Scasonohlc ijrccipitulion nt Red /Huff, coiii»iriiciii(/ irith t<rpte>nber.

Year.

Total for
season.

Year.

Total for
season.

Year.

Total for
season.

Year.

Total for
season.

1877-78

53.14

1886-87

15.72

1895-96

23.94

1904-5

33.71

1878-79

21.49

1887-88

17.34

1896-97

24.90

1905-6

34.59

1879-80

29.94

1888-89

23.34

' 1897-98

15.18

190f)-7

27.97

1880-81

28.90

1889-90

41.87

1898-99

21.70

1907-8

20.08

1881-82

21.12

1890-91

22.61

1 1899-1900

23.91

1908-9

31.23

1882-«3

18.58

1891-92

21.39

1900-1901

24.59

1909-10

17.64

1883-84

24.01

1892-93

32.35

1901-2

31.74

1884-85

14.74

1893-94

22.20

1903-3

24.22

188&-86

35.11

1894-95

29.85

1903-4

31.64

INfaxiniuni precipitations have occurred as follows: At Red Bluif,
49.01 and 40.37 inches for the calendar years of 1878 and 190(5, re-
spectively; at Corning, 34 inches in 1890; at Chico, 36.24 inches in
1892. Minimum precipitations occurred as follows: At Red Bluff,
12.91 inches in 1898; at Corning, 7.58 inches in 1898; at Chico, 12.31
inches also in 1898. The average annual rainfall for Sacramento
covering a period of 51 years is 19.41 inches.

In the Red BluH' area the general movement of air is from the north
and northeast into the valley. During the summer months there is
normally a marked movement of air from the south. " Northers," as
they arc called, .sometimes occur. They are hot, dust-laden north
Avinds, occurring most frequently during May, June, and Jul}". Some
damage is frequently done to the fruits and growing crops during
their passage, their liot. withering character extracting much water
from the soil and \cgetation.

Alternating periods of rainy weather and sunshine occur in the
rainy .scjison, but the summer months are very bright and clear, clouds
being rarely seen. At Red Blulf from the year 1877 to 1909 the clear
days average 210, i)artly cloudy 77, and cloudy 72 per year. The
average numi)er of foggy days at the same place for the same period
was 9 per year. An average of 2 hail storms and 4 thunderstorms
occur during each year. Snow in quantities is a rather rare occur-
rence, l>iit in Jiimiary. 1907, Red Bluff received 14 inches. Light
frosts and films of ice appear during the winter months. At Red

SOIL SUEVEY OF THE RED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA.

11

Bluff the last killing; frost occurs in spring at an average date of
March 15; the first in the fall at an average date of November 25.
The following table gives monthly and annual mean temperatures for
several stations :

Monthhi (itid annual mean temperatures.

Red Bluff,
1878-1909.

Chico,
1870-1900.

Sacra-
mento,
1853-1900.

Fresno,

1888-1900.

January

February..

March

April

May

June

July

August

September .

October

November .
December. .

Mean

F.
45.
49.
53.
59.
6G.
74.
81.
SO.
73.
G3.
53.
46.

F.

G2.

46.9
50.3
55.6
61.6

68.4
77.1
83.9
81.5
74.6
64.6
53.8
47.5

'F.

47.5
51.2
65.0
58.5
02.7
70.3
73.1
70.3
69.8
61.3
54.5
45.4

45.3
50.2
54.4
60.8
67.4
74.1
82.1
81.0
73.8
64.2
54.6
47.0

63.8

60.0

63.0

At Red Bluff during the period from 187T to 1009 there was an
average of 82 days per j'^ear when the thermometer did not fall below
90°. There was no day when it did not rise above 32° F. The abso-
lute maximum temperatures usually occur during the months of
July and August, high readings of 109° to 112° F. being of frequent
occurrence. An absolute maximum of 115° was reached at the Red
Bluff' station during the summer of 1902. The highest temperature
recorded at the Chico station has been 117° F. As is usual with the
high temperatures of semiarid regions, the oppressiveness is dimin-
ished by the extreme dryness of the air. The nights are not usually
oppressive. The absolute minimum temperatures are usually re-
corded during the months of December, January, and February.
Low^ temperatures of 24° to 28° F. are the rule. In 1885 the low tem-
perature at Red Bluff was 33°. An absolute minimum of 18° was
reached in January, 1888. The lowest temperature recorded at the
Chico station is also 18° F.

The climate of the Red Bluff' area is remarkably salubrious. As
with the major part of the great valley, it is very well suited to
fruit culture, the absence of rains during the summer allowing the
curing of dried fruits and hay to proceed without loss. Frosts do
little damage to fruits. The uncultivated sections have a rather
bleak appearance during the hot summer months, but the winter
months present a marked contrast. At those times wdien the eastern
humid sections are barren of green growth the w^inter rains of this

12

FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

section revive all small vefjetation. and a fresh, jrreen appearance is
everj'where noted. Durino- the sprinotinie the area is at its best.

AGRICULTURE.

The history of the early settlement of the area is indefinite and
uncertain. It is certain, however, that Gen. John Bidwell, of Sntters
Fort, on the site of Sacramento City, visited Tehama County in
18-13, named most of the geographical points, and secured valuable
information concerning the section. The following year AVilliam G.
Chard, A. G. Toomes, and E. H. Thomas became the first settlers.
Upon entering the region the early settlers allotted the land among
themselves, with the ultimate aim of securing large grants from the
Mexican Government. They made their first camp on Elder Creek,
and mention is made of the presence of deer, elk, and other game
animals, previously undisturbed, in large numbers. A heavier
growth of wild oats and native grasses everywhere appeared than
was the rule in later years. The Mexican land grants made within
the present limits of Tehama County were as follows. They were
finally confirmed by the United States Government on the dates
indicated ;

Name of grant.

Area.

Grantee.

Year con-
firmed.

Acres.
17,707
13,315
26,637
22,172
22,212

W.B.Ide

W.G. Chard

J. F. Dye

1860

1859

Primer Canyon Rio tie los Berrondes

1871

Rio de los Molinos

A. G. Toomes

R.H.Thomas....

1858

Sauces

1857

Gen. Hidwell took (lie famous Cliico ranch, while Maj. P. B.
Reading took a grant north of Cottonwood Creek in Shasta County,
covered by the Ketlding area survey. The two latter men are closely
associated with the incident's surrounding the early settlement and
development of this region.

These early j)ioneers worked on their places, endeavoring to develop
a cattle induct ry, until the discovery of gold in 1848. They then
left their faiiiis for the mines, but afterwards returned when their
experience had been sullicient. The impression existed generally that
the soil of the entire area was not suitable for farm crops and that
stock raising was the only piiut i<al)l(' industry. Along such lines
the development extended.

Planning Ijegan in 185-2 with an expcriuiental crop of grains, and
from that date the movement s})read rapidly. The fii-st sawmill
and gristmill were erected in 1851 on Mill Creek at the river. It is

SOIL SURVEY OF THE RED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA. 13

interesting to note that the first steamer on the upper Sacramento
was the Lady Washington^ in 1849-50, and that several small steam-
ers navigated the canyon above Red Bhitf in these early days. An
influx of population, due in part to a movement of mine seekers,
led to the development of various industries, with which agriculture
kept j)ace. Wheat growing received most attention. It was at first
confined to the deep alluvial soils along the streams, but gradually
extended over the uplands until all tillable land of the area was sown
to grain under extensive systems. Profits were good and enormous
quantities of grain were shipped into the world markets b}^ railroad
and river steamers. The usual methods applicable to an extensive
system of agriculture, embracing the use of the gang plow and the
combined harvester, were employed. Even with such labor-saving
machinery, enabling large tracts to be farmed, the industry declined
in the face of decreased yields and lower j^rices. A gradual shrink-
age in the area devoted to grain has followed, until at this time the
grain belt is practically confined to the bottom lands. The upland
types, as noted in their descriptions, are now devoted mainly to
grazing. Such parts of the latter sections as produce grain do so
only by practicing summer fallowing. The principal part of this
abandoned upland section is very sparsely settled, and while land
values are lower than in the best grain-producing days they are not
yet at a low ebb because of irrigation possibilities. About 1,500,000
bushels of grain are annually produced.

There are many small holdings of land in the Red Bluff area, but
some of the great land grants and subsequently acquired tracts remain
nearly intact, extending over hundreds and in some cases thousands
of acres. They retard the development of the section, but sub-
division is hardly possible without irrigation. A large body of land
near Corning has been gradually sold in small tracts since the early
nineties. A tract around Los Molinos has recently been watered and
is now being disposed of in small farms. Some of the alluvial bot
toms of the Sacramento and the soils along Thomas and Elder
Creeks are held in moderate-sized tracts, but great holdings cover the
most of the area. Among these may be mentioned the great Finnell
and Cone ranches near Red Bluff, the Stanford ranch near Vina, and
others.

At about the time when grain growing began to decline m this
area, fruit growing was tried with increasing success. (See PI. I, fig.
1.) The more friable alluvial soils of good water-holding qualities
were selected, and by careful methods quite a fruit industry has been
built up on a dry-farming basis. Irrigation is practiced in certain
sections, as noted further on in this report under the proper head,
but the greater part of the fruit is produced without it. In 1907
Tehama County produced $1,281,531 worth of deciduous fruits, with

14 FIELD OPF.EATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

peaches, in'unes. and a})ricots of importance in the order named. The
peaches are used mainly for canning and drying, Muir, Crawford, and
Elberta being the varieties mostly used. Apricots are both dried and
shipped as green fi'uit. Figs, almonds, olives, pears, and grapes are
well represented. (See PI. I, fig. '2.) The 100-acre irrigated pear
orchard of the Cone ranch is reported to have netted its owners
$32,000 in one year. There are many good orchards of the above
fruits in the Red Blutf area, but also great numbers of poorly cared
for or entirely abandoned orchards. This condition arises from va-
rious causes, but is often due to the selection of dry elevated soils,
where it is too much to expect fruit trees to thrive without irrigation.
Some injudicious colonization has taken place. Considerable sections
have been planted and sold in small holdings with the idea of special
crops without irrigation. Scarcely a vestige remains of some such
attempts. The probable adaptations of the several soils for dry-
i^'armed crops are covered in the soil-type descriptions.

Green feed is abundant during the winter season, but the dairying
industry suffers for want of such feed in the summer months. Under
irrigation the industry should expand immensely.

Tehama County is one of the banner sheep counties of the State,
with about 300,000 head. Cattle number about 30,000. Stock range
in the mountains from May to October and in the valley during the
winter, when they are fattened. The cattle and sheep industries are
not likely to assume much larger proportions than they have at
present.

Alfalfa is the principal hay crop and is grown mainly in the Sac-
ramento bottoms without irrigation. A mill for the manufacture of
alfalfa products has been established at Alfalfa, south of Red Bluff.

The Stanford ranch at Vina has about 3,000 acres in grapes of the
wine varieties. The dairying, wine, and alfalfa industries at that
place are well handled and arc a remarkable example of farming
on a large scale.

Most of the vegetables and truck ci'ops are grown by Chinese. As
usual in this section of the country the farmers buy such products.

Several cars of citrus fruits are reported shipped from Corning
each year (see PI. II, fig. 1). The future extension of this industry
is uncertain.

Two or three hop iiclds are found in the Sacramento bottoms.
Poultry raising is quite an industry, especially to the west of Corn-
ing. Climatic conditions are very favorable and great increases
in this branch are probal)le.

The Red Bluff area [jroduces many agricultural products, but
agriculture is in a very unsatisfactory state. The natural wealth
of the section in undevelojx'd resources is immense. Its diversity
of soils and r;i\uial>l(' cjiniatic conditions will some day make it a

SOIL SUEVEY OF THE RED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA. 15

vast producer of widely varied crops and render it a section of
small intensive farming industries. It has not as yet. shared in
that extensive irrigation development which has transformed so
many of the other regions of the State into gardens of productive-
ness. All agricultural interests are feverishly awaiting irrigation
development, and perhaps a foresight of the greater era to come
discourages any attempt to make the most of present conditions.
A realization of the next necessary step is everywhere present, and
land values ^s well as attitudes toward agricultural development
all anticipate the coming of extensive irrigation. Prices of land
over the entire area are based upon their worth as irrigable lands
and not upon their intrinsic present worth without water. The
improvements anticipated are certain to come and everyone realizes
the present transitorv state of agriculture.

IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE.

The Sacramento Valley is perhaps the only region of its size and
importance in the United States whose advancement and develop-
ment is retarded by such conflicting soil conditions. Great bodies of
rich, deep soils are rendered uninhabitable or practically useless for
agricultural purposes by periodic floods. Bordering the territory so
affected are other still greater bodies of soil only slightly more ele-
vated yet continuously lacking even tJie relatively small supply of
moisture needed to mature even a grain crop.

It is principally upon soils occupying the mean between these two
extreme conditions that the greatest number of homes and industries
have been built. The greater areas occurring as overflow and semi-
arid lands have nowhere been extensively utilized or effectively man-
aged. The largest problem of the future in the Sacramento Valley
wnll be the reclamation, through a comprehensive drainage and pro-
tection project, of the lands now rendered useless by floods, and the
storage of waters for the irrigation of such lands as need irrigation.
The engineering and financial features involved are formidable and
intricate, but must be solved in the progress of time. It is agreed that
the ideal method involves the simultaneous handling of the two prob-
lems. Storage of vast quantities of water will relieve the flooded
areas, and the stored water will be available for irrigating the higher
lands. Pending the consummation of such a vast undertaking vari-
ous irrigation systems of small scope have been installed throughout
the valley. The Eed Bluff area contains some such scattered systems.

The lower soils of the Red Bluff area are not subject to such ex-
tensive and continuous flooding as in sections of the valley occurring
farther south. Much damage is done, however, and the handling of
the flood waters of the Sacramento would materially increase the pro-
10970^—12 3

16 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

duc'tiveness of the river bottoms. The instalhilion of irrigation with
pumping: plants or other systems would then be possible without dan-
ger of loss during floods. Leveling and other improvements could
proceed in an uninterrupted Avay. There are many parts of this low-
lying belt farmed from home buildings located on the uplands.
Under such conditions it can easily l^e seen that intensively farmed
small tracts are impossible without river control. Fortunately the
river bottom soils are the only ones of the area with adverse drainage
conditions. Xo doubt the greater part of the Sacramento bottoms
could be irrigated by pumping at this time were it not for the floods
at points where the necessary plants must be placed. The manner
and extent of the damage by flooding is discussed in the description
of the soil types.

The several small irrigation systems established in the Red Bluff
area lie largely upon the east side of the river. The three most
important perennial streams of that section furnish water to more
or less extensively irrigated tracts. "Water from Antelope Creek
has been used in the general farming operations of the Cone ranch
for many years. Considerable areas of alfalfa and some good or-
chards on the ranch are irrigated from this source. Chinese vegetable
gardeners are also supplied. The soils covered by these systems are
principally those of the Vina series. Extension of the irrigated area
is possible, but it is not probable that Antelope Creek carries sufficient
water for all the soils lying within its delta capable of irrigation.

The Los Molinos tract, consisting of about 10,000 acres along and
bordering the delta of Mill Creek, has been subdivided and i^laced
upon the market with a water right in that stream. Considerable
irrigation development has taken place upon the various types of the
Vina series and will no doubt be extended. Quite a body of small
farms intensively cultivated can be built up in this region lying be-
tween the Tuscan series and the Sacramento River. The supply of
water will be exhausted, however, before all the land is developed.

The Vina section is quite liberally irrigated by water from Deer
Creek. As in the vicinity of the other creeks of the east side, there
are bodies of good soils favorably situated for irrigation, yet unirri-
gated because of inadefjuate water supply. The combined flow of
the three perennial east side streams is not sufficient to serve all of
the irrigable soils of that section. More conservative use can be made
of the water and good intensively farmed sections developed, but
there will still remain large areas to be watered from other sources.

A portion of a tract of land Icnown as the Richfield Colony, lying
west of Corning, irrigated during the spring by water from intermit-
tent streams of the locality, is also covered by the survey. Natural
subirrigation giving rise (o moist subsoils here assists in bringing
about condition^ fnvoiable to crop production. At intervals along

Report of Bureau of Soils, U. S. Dept, of Agriculture, 1910.

Plate I.

Fig. 1.— Peach Orchard on Cone Ranch near Red Bluff.
[An example of successfnl I'rnit culture iu tlie Red Blutt'urea.]

Fig. 2.— Almond Orchard near Corning, on a Favorably Situated Area of
Tehama Silt Loam.

[An t'.\Mijii)le of a. well-kept and thrift}- (irchard.]

Report of Bureaj of So Is, U. S. Deot. of Agriculture, 1910.

Plate II.

Fig. 1.— a Successful Small Orange Orchard near Corning, Tehama County.

[Irrigatt'd from suiall |iiiiiipiiig plant.]

Fig. 2.— Rough Stony Land v_-_.anic Bowlders Occu.--!.<!\,. Ea,

Vina.

SOIL SUEVEY OF THE RED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA. 17

the Sacramento River and Thomas and Elder Creeks, and in the
vicinity of Corning, small amounts of water are supplied for irriga-
tion by several pumping plants. The soil types irrigated by means
of pumping are designated in their individual descriptions. Electric
power for pumping is available at low rates and the feasibility of the
system depends simply upon a question of the water suppl}'.

The total development in irrigation above noted is considerable, but
in no way approximates the possibilities of the area. The Iron Can-
yon project has been much talked of. This is an enormous under-
taking, involving features of storage, river control, and irrigation.
All the drainage water of the upper Sacramento Basin flows through
the Iron Canyon, previously mentioned as being located a short dis-
tance above Red Bluff. It is described as a natural reservoir site,
and in conjunction with others of a similar nature farther north and
south can be used to store sufficient water for the irrigation of
2,000,000 acres. The reclamation of vast areas of overflow land
would follow the storage of flood waters. The immense benefit which
would result to all the valley is unquestioned. Its magnitude rather
than questions of feasibility is all that delays the undertaking.

It is reported that Elder and Thomas Creeks have storage pos-
sibilities at various points along their upper courses. Their annual
flood discharge is enormous, and the development of lands with wafpr
drawn from such reservoirs is perfectly feasible.

It is believed that a study of the soil type descriptions will reveal
their adaptations and possibilities under irrigation. The question of
success or failure of a project of course depends primarily upon the
character of the soils.

The entire future of the Red Bluff area will be identified with irri-
gation. Practically all development must come through its further
extension.

SOILS.

The soils of the Red Bluff area were separated into 26 types.
Two additional types of no agricultural value were also outlined,
namely, Riverwash and Rough stony land. Certain of the former
types are related to each other in origin, in process of formation, and
topography, and are arranged in groups on a basis of these man}^
resemblances. The boundaries between the types of the same series,
as well as between tj^pes of different series, are not at all times dis-
tinct, but similarities and differences are sufficiently marked to throw
the 26 types into nine broad divisions, each containing several types.

Excepting the Rough stony land, the soils of the area are derived
in part from the original deposits of the Sacramento Valley, and in
part from ancient and modern alluvium of the streams that traverse
the region. The former consists broadly of two types of deposits.

18 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

West of the Sacranieiito River and in a very few places on the east
side, it consists of sand, chiy, and waterworn gravel. The pebbles in
the gravel are usually small, well rounded, and derived from fine-
grained eruptive rocks, quartz and quartzite, etc. The pebbles when
exposed are usually weathered to a reddish color, or are mixed with
and coated with the finer material, which is reddish in color. In
general, on the east side of the valley the ancient deposit consists
mainly of waterworn gravel with a relatively small proportion of
sand and a still smaller proportion of clay. The pebbles are much
larger, as a rule, than those on the west side, are well rounded, and
derived from basaltic rocks. The sands are likewise mainly basaltic
in origin. Avith small quantities of quartz, and in addition, there are
occasional layers of basaltic tuff.

The soils derived from the ancient deposits of the western side of
the valley are classed under the head of the Redding, Corning, and
in part, as the Tehama series.

In tlie Redding series two types were mapped. They are prevail-
ingly reddish in color and usually carry quantities of waterworn
gravel. These types occupy the highest elevations in their section of
the survey and are gently sloping to rolling in contour. They possess
thin layers of heavy subsoil resting directly upon a true, impenetrable
hardpan several inches thick. This hardpan in turn is underlain by
indefinite masses of coarse deposits in a partially cemented condition.
Most of this series is poorly adapted to dry-farming methods, is bar-
ren in appearance, and locallv known as " red lands '' or " hardpan
lands."

In the southwestern part of the Red Bluff area occur several bod-
ies at about the same relative elevation as the Redding series farther
north in the area. These ridges and small elevations in this section
are occupied by remnants of the Red Bluff' formation, but in an
altered state sufficient to remove them from the Redding series. Tiie
true hardpan seems to have been removed, and there are somewhat
deeper coverings of soil resting upon the semicemented deeper lay-
ers. This material constitutes the Corning series with two type
subdivisions. As with the Redding, it is a distinctly west-side series,
and poorly adapted to dry farming.

The Tehama series occupies two topographic situations and is de-
rived from two different materials, so far as origin is concerned.
All of the Tehama soils in the northwestern part of the area are
terrace soils, occupying smooth areas lying a few feet below the
level of the Redding soils and several feet above the modern alluvial
plains. In most cases these are the terraces of the small streams
draining the western side of the valley, which carry local material
mainly, only their headwaters reaching back into the foothills of
the coast ranges. One of the laigest areas is on a well-develoi^ed

SOIL SURVEY OF THE RED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA. 19

terrace lying south of the modern channel of Redbnnk Creek. Nar-
ro^ver belts occur along all the other eastward-flowing streams.

Northwest of Corning there is a considerable area of Tehama soils
derived directly from the weathering of the Red Bluff formation.
This area occurs in gently rolling country and merely represents an
area of Red Bluff material that has been eroded down to a very gently
undulating plain. It is residual in origin, while the other areas are
alluvial in origin.

The Tehama types are prevailingly yellowish or yellowi^^h brown in
color, deeper than the soils of the previously mentioned series and
fairly friable. A heavy subsoil usually occurs. They are well
adapted to irrigation, but yield scant crops under dry farming.
The distribution of this series is very general over the west side.

The Maywood series comprises five types of soil formed on the
terraces and alluvial fans of the small streams in the southwestern
part of the area. They occur on the level areas bordering these
streams, and lie below the level of the series already named. The
areas are usually broader to the west and narrow to the east on
account of the broadening of the alluvial fans upstream. The series
as a whole is grayish or yellowish gray in color and more friable
than the Tehama series. This series is better adapted to dry-farmed
fruit and grain than any of the series before mentioned, but yields
are light and could be greatly increased under irrigation. The May-
wood series occurs at intervals over the west side, being confined to
that section.

In the southern part of the area occur inextensive bodies of soil
material derived by washing or erosion of adjacent more elevated
bodies of soils, viz, the Corning series. It is deposited over lower
valley plains, local fiats, or depressions. It represents eroded ma-
terial modified by local conditions of restricted drainage, of dark-
gray color, and compact, refractory structure. In this area the
material gives a single soil type. It is classed as a member of the
Kirkwood series.

Several of the west side major streams have constructed alluvial
bottoms from foreign material along their courses in the Red Bluff
area. These soils are mostly derived fi'om rocks along the sources
of Thomas and Elder Creeks in the foothills and mountains of the
Coast Range, and have not been greatly influenced by addition of
material eroded from adjacent soils. These depressed valley soils
enter the west edge of the survey and continue to the great alluvial
plain of the Sacramento, where they gradually lose their identity.
They are dark in color, deep and friable in character, and excellent
soils for every purpose. Three types were found and classed as the
Elder series.

20 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

The soils derived from the original valley deposits, occurring o)i
the eastern side of the valley, come from what is locally known as
'* lava flows." The soils are reddish brown or brown shallow soils of
little or no agricultural value. They occupy a sloping dissected plain
and are burdened with great quantities of bowlders of varying size
derived from volcanic rocks. An impenetrable mass of cemented
waterworn gravel is encountered at a depth of a few inches and ex-
tends to great depths. These are probably the most hopeless soils of
the area and are classified as the Tuscan series, represented by two
types. They are derived from valley deposits probably of the same
age as the Ked Bluff deposits, but derived from the volcanic rocks of
the Lassen Peak region. The great body of the deposit is a coarse
mass of rather well-worn pebbles and bowlders of volcanic rocks with
interstratified beds of finer material, the latter including some beds
of tuff. The series is separated on its lowest edge from the Sacra-
mento bottoms by sharp bluffs '20 to GO feet high. It is extremely
arid, unproductive, and capable of little development. Ages ago it
occupied a much greater extent than at present, but processes of ero-
sion have removed the material over Avide areas and other areas have
been covered with alluvium.

The Vina series, consisting of four types, is confined to the east
side of the valley. These soils are alluvial in character and the
product of the numerous east side streams. They occupy sections
occurring as valleys or deltas once occupied bj'^ the Tuscan series.
The series is usually separated from the Tuscan series by marked
terraces, but at its lower edges it merges gradually into the slightly
lower Sacramento series. These soils are in the main brownish or
dark gray in color, friable, and productive. Some of the members
constitute the best soils of the area, while one or two are unproductive.

The soils of the great alluvial flood plain of the Sacramento, which
traverses the area, were classed here, as in the other areas surveyed in
the valley, as the Sacramento series. Four types were recognized and
correlated with previously recognized types. These soils are the
direct product of sedimentation by the Sacramento River, the ma-
terials being derived along its upper course. The}' are light gray or
dark gray in color, slightly micaceous, and of variable textures and
indistinctlv sepai-ated from each other. A deep soil and friable
structure are the rule. The series comprises the most productive
soils in the area. It occurs as a broad, level plain marked by over-
flow channels with considerable sections subjected to flooding. A
marked terrace bounds its outer limits and the river occupies a wind-
ing channel 10 to 20 feet deep through its level surface.

The great variability in the soils of the Red Bluff area makes few
geneial -tateniciits j)()ssibl('. Tiiey are usually well drained and pro-
ductive whenever moisture conditions are favorable. It is no doubt

SOIL SURVEY OF THE EED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA.

21

the best drained section of the valley. The ujDland soils are always
deficient in organic matter, but can be improved under irrigation
and hy the addition of green manures. Alkali is nowhere present.
Even ordinary care in the use of irrigation water will relieve this area
of all the danger fi-om alkali so frequently resulting in other irrigated
sections.

The following table gives the names and extent of the various soil
types found in the Red Bluif area :

Areas of different soils.

Soil.

Tehama silt loam

Tuscan stony sandy loam

Sacramento silt loam

Corning gravelly loam

Coming loam

Sandy phase

Redding loam

Sacramento fine sandy loam . .

Vina fine sandy loam

Maywood loam

Tuscan stony loam

Vina clay loam

Rough stony land

Bedding gravelly sandy loam.
Vina loam

Deep silty phase

Vina clay adobe

Deep phase

Acres.

Per cent.

29,888

14.3

25,728

12.4

19,32^

9.3

18,752

9.0

9,280
2,880

1

J

5.8

11,456

5.5

10,496

5.1

8,768

4.2

8,576

4.1

8,000

3.8

6,848

3.3

5,824

2.8

5,504

2.6

2,368
3,072

2.6

4,352
576

2.4

Soil.

Tehama gravelly loam

Sacramento silty clay loam. . .

Elder silt loam

Riverwash

Maywood silt loam

Maj'wood gravelly sandy

loam

Elder silty clay loam

Tehama clay

Maywood fine sandy loam

Kirlvwood silty clay adobe

Sacramento fine sand

Elder gravelly fine sandy

loam

Mavwood siltv clav loam

Acres.

4,032
3,584
3,392
3,200
2,308

2,048
1,600
1,536
1,536
1,536
896

832
384

Total 208,640

Per cent.

1.9
1.7
1.0
1.5
1.2

KEDDING LOAM.

The Redding loam in some of its general features resembles the
gravelly sandy loam of the same series, but in agricultural value
there is a marked difference. This type is remarkably uniform and
consists of a loam, yellowish red to red in color, sticky and boggy
when wet, and carrying considerable quantities of medium-sized
waterworn material. The coarser particles range in size from sand
and subangular fragments to rounded gravels 2 inches or more in
diameter, quartz often predominating. Such quantities of coarse
material, which would usually render a soil rather friable, fails in
this case materially to improve the tilth. This is due to seasonal
conditions, saturation being quickly followed by a compact puddled
state, rendered somewhat worse by a low content of organic matter.
This surface loam at G to 18 inches grades sharply into a subsoil
closely resembling that of the Redding gravelly sandy loam, being
a red clay or clay loam of impervious, slightly indurated structure.
The subsoil carries some embedded gi'avel and cracks freely on ex-
posure. It is in this case, however, of a darker red color and much

22 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

more shallow. Rarely is it ever over G inches thick and in all but
very limited bodies underlain by a hardpan. This is somewhat
thicker and harder than that underlying a portion of the Redding
gravelly sandy loam. The line of contact between the layer of heavy
subsoil and the great bodies of underlying impervious beds is quite
clear, but that portion defined as a true hardpan occurs as the harder
portion directly in contact with the subsoil. It is co'mposed largely
of clay particles firmly cemented into an imj^enetrable layer carrying
little gi'avel. This true hardpan is a secondary development, occur-
ring after the entire mass was deposited. It is explained as the
result of the downward movement of chi}^ particles accumulating in
the presence of iron compounds as layers on the surfaces of the
underlying material. The true hardpan, averaging about 6 inches
in thickness, well defined on its upper surface, can be seen to lose
its clay structure gradually on its lower surface. It then becomes
more gravelly and so grades rather indefinitely into the ever-present
masses of gravel, coarse sand, and silt. These latter materials occur
either as mixtures of varjang proportions or in roughly assorted
beds, all sufficiently cemented to be practically impervious to plant
roots even when the overlying hardpan is shattered. It will be noted
that the total depth available to plant roots, consisting of the loam
with gravel and the small layer of heavy subsoil, is seldom more
than 24 inches.

This type is comparatively extensive in the west-central portion
of the area and is practically confined to the west side of the valley.
At the time when the valley trough had a higher general elevation
than at present the material of which this type is composed ex-
tended as a vast plain over the section of the Red Bluff area west of
the Sacramento River. Present remnants of this old plain are to-
day in evidence in the sections west of the Red Bluff' area and south
of it in the Colusa area. Partial erosion of this ancient material,
with deposition of transported particles to form soil types of a lower
level, has left portions now occurring as ridges or elevated rolling
jihiins. These are separated by the minor drainage ways of the
valley slopes and mapped as Redding loam.

Its general surface, while rolling and marked by drainage depres-
sions, has detailed features of topography making it, during the
rainy season, a poorly-drained soil. Numerous hummocks or " hog
wallows " confine much surface water or permit it to escape slowly
by meandering courses, little water escaping through the subsurface
layers. The type is usually bounded by terrace lines or rather
iibrupt slopes. Along the courses of present streams these small
bhifi's are evidence (if active erosion. A change in the stream course
which allows the liliilT to wealhei- into a slope accounts for most of
the sharj) lines -eparat iiig lliis type fiom the Tehama, Elder, and

SOIL SURVEY OF THE RED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA.

23

Maywood series of soils. It is only in those bodies nearer the alluvial
plain of the Sacramento that this type has indistinct boundaries.
It is there partially covered by later deposits rather than eroded.

The Eedding loam is one of the types derived from what remains
of the Red Bluff formation. The coarse material in this type cor-
responds closelj' to that found in the Redding gravelly sandy loam,
and in both types it is probable that weathering and simple erosion,
accompanied by the formation of the hardpans, constitutes the total
change in the original material. No evidence appears of reworking
or mixture with foreign products. It is treeless and presents a
forbidding appearance, affording a scant pasturage for sheep. The
type is unsuited for agricultural use, the few small areas of grain
it supports being of little importance in extent and yields. In the
history of grain growing in Tehama County this type was once
utilized to the extent of a few crops, but it decreased in yields and
was later practically abandoned.

The possibilities of utilizing this type are important considerations
affecting the success of any irrigation project designed to include it.
Its area is extensive, and while somewhat elevated a large acreage
will probably be irrigable under any general irrigation system. It
is. of course, subject to no development without irrigation. Diffi-
culty will be had in preparing some of it for irrigation, leveling
being necessary. In most cases furrow irrigation will be the most
feasible method of applying the water. It has a limited range in
crop adaptation, its shallow depths prohibiting the growth of alfalfa,
prunes, apricots, and all deeper rooted crops. It is entirely possible,
however, that careful culture of berries, some varieties of grapes, figs,
olives, and perhaps peaches", will yield returns justifying a water tax.
The use of fertilizers will be necessary and the content of organic
matter must be increased. To justify the promotion of irrigation
development successfully this type should not be made to bear too
great a value. The present nominal price of $12 to $18 an acre, in
addition to irrigation assessment, would appear to be sufficient. All
attempts to develop it without irrigation water must fail. It is one
of the poorest soils of any great extent in the area.

The following table gives the results of mechanical analyses of the
soil and subsoil of this type :

Mechanwftl atialij.^c-^ of Redding loam.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

fine
sand.

Very fine
sand.

Silt.

Clay.

241-52

Soil

Per cent.
3.5
4.2

Per cent.
7.3
4.2

Per cent.
5.1
2.9

Per cent.
12.4
6.6

Per cent.
20.2
17.8

Per cent.
42.1
22.5

Per cent.
9.2

24153

Subsoil

42.1

10970^—12-

24 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

BEDDING GRAVELLY SANDY LOAM.

The Redding gravelly sandy loam has a considerable range of topo-
graphic features, giving the soil a variable agricultural vaJue. Typi-
cally it consists of a light-red to a red sticky sandy loam of rather
uniform texture but uncertain depth, carrying medium to large quan-
tities of gravel. This coarse gravelly material was all originally of
well-defined water worn character, but the processes of weathering
have at this time reduced quantities of it to a snbangular state.
These fragments occurring with cobbles of rounded surfaces, coarse
sand, and quartz pebbles give the surface material a rather more
tillable structure than it would otherwise possess. This gravelly
material often accumulates in surface depressions or on eroded slopes,
and at all times a slight erosion of soil material renders the immediate
surface more gravelly than the underlying layers. The fragments
seldom attain a size sufficient to interfere with cultivation.

At a depth which varies from 12 to 24 inches the surface soil
grades sharply into an exceedingly tenacious red clay loam or heavy
loam that is practically free from gravel. It is always compact and
lias a tendency to crack into rough cubes upon exposure. It some-
times carries small quantities of coarse sand, but even under this con-
dition loses little of its compact character. This subsoil, of great
water-holding capacity, seldom extends to a depth of more than 4
feet, being usually underlain at variable depths by a true ferruginous
hardpan of cemented clay particles. The hardpan layer is from 1 to
(') inches thick, impervious to water, and impenetrable to plant roots,
and rests upon great masses of indurated gravel, silt, and sands.
These occur in partial!}' assorted layers extending to great depths and
of little value for root development, even though rendered penetrable
by blasting. In those cases where the hardpan laj^er is absent, the
subsoil grades into the massive bodies of semicemented waterworn
material and the tyj^e is perhaps a little better agriculturally by rea-
son of the slight disintegration of the mass at its point of contact with
the soil.

This type is confined to several bodies in the northern part of the
area. These occur as the southern extremity of the low rolling hills
bordering the Iron Canyon section of the Sacramento Kiver and giv-
ing way near Red Bluff to the more level valley plains. The material
of which this type consists is a Pleistocene alluvial product, deposited
to great depths over a considerable section, the present remnants of
which lie mainly north of the Red Bluff' area.

The surface of this type is gently to sharply rolling and north of
lied Bluff nnich dissected, with excessive drainage and a general
topography unfavorable to agi'iculture. A natural growth of upland
oaks, ceanothus. and inan/aiiita cover these latter sections. Those

SOIL SURVEY OF THE RED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA.

25

bodies of small extent occurring south of Red Bluff are partially
cleared and developed. Grain, giving nominal yields, is the principal
product. The type is as well adapted to dry farming methods as any
other of the distinctly upland types, but insufficient and ])oorly dis-
tributed rainfall hinders its development. Irrigation will render a
variety of crops profitable. Berries and peaches will predominate, as
on this tj^pe in the HapjDy Valley section of the Redding area. It
will not be found so well adapted to alfalfa. When irrigated it will
be farmed where the topography permits. Exception is made of those
limited shallow areas where the underlying impervious material too
closely approaches the surface. It is a much better soil than the
Redding loam, the latter type lacking the depth of soil and subsoil
.and at the same time being more poorly drained.

The following table gives the results of mechanical analyses of the
soil and subsoil of this type:

Mechanical analyses of Redding ijraveUy sandy loam.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium,
sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine
sand.

Silt.

Clay.

24157

Soil

Per cent.
4.1
5.3

Per cent.
11.2
8.0

Per cent.
8.0
5.1

Per cent.
14.4
9.2

Per cent.
17.7
24.1

Per cent.
30.1
18.9

Per cent.
13.8

24158

Subsoil

29.2

COKNING LOAM.

The Corning loam, as typically developed, consists of a reddish
loam of slightly sticky character, extending to a depth varying from
16 to 30 inches. It is slightly gravelly at times, the coarse sand and
gravelly material corresponding to that found in the gravelly loam
of the same series. A slightly compact structure prevails and a
mild tendency to clod and puddle is noted. A good condition of
tilth can be secured, however, with careful handling when proper
moisture content exists. At an average depth of about 24 inches the
soil is underlain by a heavy cla}^ loam or clay, always very compact,
and showing adobe characters upon exposure. Its dense structure
is relieved at times by the presence of small quantities of sand, but
not sufficient to make it friable. It may extend to a depth of 6
feet. Over the greater part of the type, however, this refractory
subsoil grades sharply at varying depths into a rather compactly
cemented mass of clay, sand, and small gravel. This material seems
to correspond quite closely with those masses underlying the soils of
the Redding series below the hardpan. The Corning loam does not
have a true hardpan, but plant roots are practically limited in all
cases to the surface loam and heavy subsoil, as the partially cemented

26 FIELD OPERATIONS OK THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

masses above mentioned are impenetrable. A sandy phase, which
differs somewhat from the typical soil material, also occurs.

The Corning loam is found in many medium-sized bodies of
rather general distribution in the upland plains h'ing west of the
river. The type occupies elevations intermediate between the more
elevated Redding series and the slightly lower Tehama and May wood
series. The boundaries of its l)0(lies are rather indistinct at times,
gradation zones occurring between it and the other series. Its sur-
face is gently rolling to level, with occasional small cuts or washes
and a few local depressions. A slight tendency to form hog-
wallows sometimes exists. The ridges, hills, and steep slopes so gen-
eral in the Corning gi\avelly loam do not appear in this type. The
elevation and slope provide ample surface drainage, except in small.
depressed areas. Subsoil conditions frequently make percolation
slow, but in general the type may be called well drained. It is natu-
rally barren, an occasional scattered growth of upland oak being its
only tree growth.

The Corning loam is derived from the Red Bluif formation. In
some instances it no doubt occurs as anciently redeposited porticms of
that old Pleistocene allu\dum. At other times its bodies are rem-
nants of the original formation, the result of an irregular erosion and
reworking. It is an upland type and subject to erosion.

The type is not extensively cultivated. A few small areas are dry
farmed to grain, but the yields are light. It is rather poorly adapted
to dry farming and attempts to produce fruit without irrigation have
met with practical failure. It does not possess a subsoil of good
water-liolding power and nnist await irrigation for development in
all agricultural lines except grain fanning. At one time the Corning
loam was much more extensively farmed to grain than at this time,
but is is doubtful whether its present cultivated area will be increased
along any line until water is supplied. I^nderground water for
irrigation is noc available, except possibly at points where the bodies
of lower elevation a])proach the river. Even here the great expense
of securing water may be prohibitive. The type could be irrigated
under an extensive gravity system. With water it will be found
adapted to peaches, almonds, berries, figs, grapes, and a variety of
crops which do not require a deep, friable soil and subsoil. Alfalfa,
prunes, and some of the truck crops will not be found as suitable
crops as those mentioned above. The tyj^e, if intelligently handled
and devoted to the proper crops, will warrant a moderate land valua-
tion and the cost of irrigation.

Corri'niff loam, smuJy phane. — The sandy phase of the Corning loam
consists of a reddish-gray heavy sandy loam or light loam of rather
variable texture. It usually carries small quantities of waterworn
gravel, and over <ni;iil areas coarse sand gives it a more friable

SOIL SURVEY OF THE RED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNLA.. 27

structure than the average. At about 3G inches the soil grades into
heds of reworked gravelly material or rests directly upon cemented
beds of sandy clay and waterworn gravel similar to those underlying
the typical Corning loam, but of a more friable nature. It is ex-
tremely variable in its subsoil. The surface soil is usually similar
to the soils of the Tehama series, and where erosion or deposition of
later stream-borne material has completely changed the surface the
type throughout the 6-foot section approaches the soils of the Tehama
series, but the subsoil in general is generally of Corning material.

The sandy phase. Corning loam, usually carries a scattered growth
of upland oaks and a sparse growth of grass. It is not farmed.
Portions of it once produced grain in small quantities, but this crop
has been abandoned. It is not adapted to dry farming methods, and
some attempts to grow fruit upon it without irrigation have been
failures. Water for irrigation is not to be secured by pumping.
"\'\lien the type is irrigated it will be found to possess much the same
possibilities as the typical Corning loam. The shallow-rooted fruit
crops and berries will prevail to the exclusion of alfalfa, prunes, and
apricots, if best results are to be secured. The greater part of it will
bear the expense of irrigation and will warrant a moderate valuation.

CORNING GRAVELLY LOAM.

The Corning gravelly loam consists of a light-red or yellowish-red
loam of medium texture, often carrying <]uantities of coarse sand and
varying proportions of small angular or waterworn gravel. This
coarse material is similar to that carried by the Bedding loam. The
type is boggy when wet and quite compactly structured when dry,
though easily tilled with proper moisture conditions. At from 12 to
20 inches the surface soil is underlain by a deep-red compact, hea^^
clay or clay loam, practically free from gravel. This subsoil becomes
very hard and much cracked when exposed. It is in turn underlain
at a depth from 24 to 48 inches by very compact semicemented layers
of fine waterworn gravel, clay, or beds of yellow smooth-textured silt.

While the above description represents the typical soil column there
are considerable departures from it in different parts of the area.
Occasionally the gravelly loam with its heavy subsoil rests upon
a w^ell-defined hardpan layer, making the type quite similar to the
Eedding loam. Again the clay subsoil itself occurs in a partially
cemented state, being only slowly penetrated by water. Normally the
type does not have a distinct hardpan layer, but subsoil conditions
are unfavorable. The partially cemented gravel, silt, or clay usually
found at from 2 to 4 feet below the surface is impenetrable to plant
roots, and blasting would yield small relief. An average depth of

28 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

perhaps 30 inches is avaihible for phiiit roots, except on slopes or in
small areas where a slight wash has accumulated a deeper covering.

The type occurs in the southwestern part of the area in several ex-
tensive bodies. Some of the largest occur as the points of several
ridges jutting into the area from the west. There are also large
bodies east of Corning and Kirkwood, rising in elevation above all
the surrounding soils. The surface is usually sharply rolling, eroded
by small streams, and marked by a hog-walloAv surface. Because of
its elevated position it presents marked contrasts to the flatter types
of the surrounding series. It is usually bounded by rather abrupt
slopes or terraces, and occasional blutis occur along stream ways.

The Corning gravelly loam has a general surface favoring good
drainage, but the many small depressions collect much water which
does not readily escape through the dense subsurface layers. A little
leveling will, however, make the soil fairly well drained, except dur-
ing periods of greatest rainfall. The areas are practically devoid of
trees and brush.

This type is derived fi-om material constituting the Red Blull
formation. Its nearest counterpart in the soils having a similar ori-
gins is the Redding loam. It lacks the clay-iron hardpan of the
latter soil and possesses a greater depth and a slightly higher agri-
cultural value.

The Corning gravelly loam is at this time utilized mainly for
grazing. It is not capable of development without irrigation. A
general knowledge of climatic conditions, with attention to the gen-
eral character of this type, should coiivince anyone of the futility of
fruit culture without water. Numerous abandoned orchards bear
evidence of a hopeless endeavor. A little irrigation by pumping is
practiced near Corning, but the type can be very meagerly developed
in this manner, because of the scarcity of undergi-ound water. It is
not at all probable that the underground water of this and adjoining
types is sufficient to furnish much irrigation on the Corning gravelly
loam. Its future extensive development depends on water from other
sources. Such elevated portions as can not be covered by gravity
systems can perhaps be brought under water by pumping from canals.
It may at some time be watered in part by pumjiing from the Sacra-
mento River, but the expense seems prohibitive at present.

"Witli irrigation a limited range of crops is possil)le. A citrus-fruit
industry is more likely to be developed upon this tjqie than any other
of the area because of air drainage features. Such trials as have been
made show fruit of good quality. The climatic conditions are rather
adverse, however, for citrus fruits, and tlie yields are low. Peaches,
almonds, grapes, olives, and figs will yield well with w^ater and show
a profit if the cost of supplying water does not prove excessive. It

SOIL SURVEY OF THE EED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA,

29

Avill always be expensive to supply irrigation water for this type and
this will no do'ubt be one of the last soils of the area to be completely
developed.

The following table gives the average results of mechanical analy-
ses of the soil and subsoil of this type :

Mechanical analifscs of Corning gravelly loam.

Number.

Dftsmption. gfj^|i

Coarse Medium,
sand. sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine
sand.

Silt.

Clay.

24107,24110

£4108,24111

I

1 Per cent.

Soil ' 6.8

Subsoil ' 5. 6

Per cent. Per cent.
13.0 7.9
7.4 4.4

Per cent.
10.1
6.4

Per cent.
8.8
5.4

Per cent.
41.4
33.3

Per cent.
11.9
37.2

TEHAMA GRAVELLY LOAM.

The Tehama gravelW loam is a loam of medium texture, carries
varying quantities of waterworn gravel, coarse sand, and angular rock
fragments, and extends to a depth of from 18 to 72 inches. It varies
in color from a yellowish brown to a reddish gray and is always very
compact and hard upon drying, though easily tilled under proper
moisture conditions. The coarse material with which it is mingled
corresponds to the finer and medium-sized fragments of gravel, often
principally quartz, so prevalent in the Corning gravelly loam, and
the Redding gravelly sandy loam with which types the Tehama soil
is associated in origin and in position. In those instances where the
type is less than 6 feet deep, it is underlain by a compact clay loam
or clay similar to the subsoil of the Tehama silt loam.

It occurs as numerous small bodies of elongated outline bordering
present intermittent streams or as terraces or benches along former
stream courses somewhat above existing drainage ways. In the lat-
ter position the bodies are sometimes slightly uneven from gentle
erosion.

In elevation, age, and method of formation this type compares
Avith the Tehama silt loam, except that some of the bodies of Tehama
gravelly loam occur along present minor drainage w^ays and derive
the soil material as direct wash from the higher lying types of the
Corning and Redding series. Along such streams heading in and
having their short courses through the two latter series, the Tehama
gravelly loam occurs as level strips and gentle slopes of poorly de-
fined outline. It has the typical sparse grass vegetation of the series
and is likewise treeless. It is well drained.

A few^ small bodies are farmed to grain, which practically consti-
tutes the agricultural use to which the soil is given. It is capable of
intensive development with irrigation, and while a great deal of it
lies surrounded by types of pooler soil there are bodies of sufficient

30

FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

size well located to make it a soil of great j^ossible value. The sur-
face lends itself readily to irrigation methods and its naturall}' well-
drained character will make it, in all but its most gravelly phases,
an important factor in the success of any irrigation enterprise.
Peaches, berries, almonds, apricots, and other crops, including melons
and alfalfa, will thrive on this soil, which needs only a slightly
greater application of water than the Tehama silt loam. Intensive,
small fann industries are not jx)s.<ible without irrigation.

The following table gives the average results of mechanical analj^ses
of the soil and a single analysis of the subsoil of this type :

Mechanicdl analyses of Tehama gravelly loam.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine cnt
saiid. ^'"-

Clay.

24174,24170

Soil

Per cent.
5.2
1.5

Per cent.
6.0
2.1

Per cent.
3.3

1.8

Per cent.
8.9
6.7

Per cent.
26.6
28.0

Per cent.
38.3
32.1

Per ctnl.
12.5

24175

Subsoil

27.3

TEHAMA SILT LOAM.

The Tehama silt loam is one of the most important types of the
area. It is a comparatively uniform type in its principal character-
istics. The soil consists of a compact yellowish-brown or reddish-
yellow silt loam, with a depth varying from 10 to 20 inches. In
limited areas the surface soil is gritty or even gravelly, being at such
times influenced by present washes or indistinct long-abandoned
drainage ways, slightly elevated by the deposition of material and
now shown only by meandering streaks of gravelly soil. The sub-
soil, also fairly uniform, is a tenacious brown silty clay loam of
impervious structure to G feet deep. The material cracks upon ex-
posure and has an adobe tendency. When variation occurs in the
subsoil it is found to accompany the change in the surface soil occa-
sioned by the slight rew^orking by water. In these cases the subsoil
in small areas may be quite gravelly. Extensive beds of compact
silt, sand, and gravel usually underly this type below 6 feet.

In its occurrence the Tehama silt loam uniformly occupies eleva-
tions slightly below the Kcdding and Corning series, being in most
cases separated from them by pronounced slopes or terraces of sev-
eral feet. From the lower lying soils of the Maywood, Elder, and
Sacramento series it is again separated by terraces, often pronounced,
along the alluvial flood plain of the Sacramento River. Practically
confined to the west side of the river and occupying regions of inter-
mediate elcviition. tlie type occurs as almost uniform plains of gentle
slope and barren character, except for a very sparse growth of grass
and a few trees along small streams and the lower terrace lines. Its

SOIL SURVEY OF THE RED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORiSTIA. 31

general surface is not level, being marked by minor drainage ways
through the main bodies and slightly dissected at terrace lines. The
type at the seasons of greatest rainfall suffers from poor drainage.
Over almost the entire surface occur small minor depressions without
outlet, oftentimes giving the appearance of a hog-wallow topog-
raphy. With a heavy burden of surface water completely saturating
the soil and filling the small depressions, this condition is still further
aggravated by a j^uddling tendency of the soil and the impervious
nature of the subsoil. Altogether it is a somewhat difficult soil to
handle extensively in grain farming.

In origin this soil type is more recent than the Redding and Corn-
ing series, as is evidenced by their relative positions and occurrences,
small knolls and ridges of both series sometimes lying within the
areas of the Tehama silt loam as remnants of the older series.

An instance of this may be observed south of Redbanlv Creek be-
tween the main line of the Southern Pacific Railroad and the Corn-
ing road running south from Red Bluff. In this case an isolated
area of Redding loam, representing an undisturbed body of the Red
Bluff formation, was entirely surrounded by soils of more recent
formation.

The Tehama silt loam is not normally underlain by hardpan, but
in a very few instances hardpan and cemented layers common to
other nearby types may lie within 6 feet of the surface.

When grain production was at its height this type was nearly all
utilized and returned profitable yields despite its puddled and poorly
drained conditions before mentioned. The type has suffered de-
creased yields in common with all the plains and upland types until
at this time it is not extensively farmed. A paying crop of grain
can be secured about every third or fourth year by summer fallowing,
if favorable moisture conditions prevail. In this uncommon case a
minimum rainfall is most favorable.

The more extensive utilization of this type depends entirely on
irrigation. It is not adapted to fruit, berry, or alfalfa culture under
dry-farming methods, and while partial success may be attained on
the better areas, little can be done upon those large typical areas,
such as that surrounding Rawson. This type, as mapped, can be
relied upon to yield good returns under irrigation, and, consider-
ing its area, will contribute to the success of anj^ large irrigation
enterprise supplying water at even more than average cost. The
features which now render the soil hard to handle in grain, namely,
poor drainage and baking, will not be found to retard its irrigation
developments materially. A slight leveling of the surface and the
formation of a few drains to carry off surface water can be accom-
plished in small tracts and at a slight expense. This would not,
however, be justified by its returns as a grain soil.

32

FIELD OPERATIOXS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

This is a better soil as letrards its present utilization than the other
types of the same -ories. It will be found to surpass them in its
capacity for irrigation development and in its adaptation to general
farm crops as well as grapes, the stone fruits, and alfalfa. In com-
mon with the other plains soils of the west side, extensive irrigation
can only be had by a comprehensive gravity system, supplied by
storage of the flood waters of the west-side tributaries or by diversion
from the main river at some point at a distance from the area.
Tuderground water for pumping is not available in sufficient quan-
tities or at a cost commensurate with the supply, anii the elevation of
the areas does not ai)pear to allow extensive watering by pumping
from the Sacramento Kivcr,

The following table gives the average results of mechanical analyses
of the soil and subsoil of this type:

Mechanical anali/.'ics of Tehama silt loam.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine
sand.

Vervfine o-it
sand. ^"^•

Clay.

24108 24170

Soil

Per cent.

0.5

.0

Per cent.
1.2
.5

Per cent.
1.7
.8

Per cent.
8.2
6.3

Per cent.
17.7
23.1

Per cent.
57.1
47.6

Per cent.
13.4

24169,24171

Si.bsoil

21.4

TEHAMA CLAY.

The Tehama clay constitutes the heaviest and most refractory mem-
ber of the Tehama series. Typically it consists of a compact clay
ranging from a light grayish brown to yellowish brown in color and
extending to a depth of HO to 48 inches. When wet this soil is very
.-sticky. I'xhiljiting the tendency of the adobes to adhere to vehicles
or implements. Upon drying it soon acquires a hard, impenetrable
.structure, cracks and checks. It is of poor tilth througliout. In
nearly all cases below this mantle of soil will be found a hard, im-
jjenetrable layer of varying character, but in all cases defined as a
i-(Miinant of the undei'lyiiig material of the Redding or Corning series.
In >ome cases the dei)osition of the Tehama clay has occurred directly
iij)()ii the true hardpan of these series, but usually the older series
iiave Ix'cn siiflicieiitly ei'oded to bring the less solidly cemented sands
and gravels of their underlying strata next to the clay.

This type occurs in .several elongated and slightly depressed bodies,
usually wheie the Tehama silt loam joins the Redding or Corning
series. It ^-ometimes occupies small areas between remnants of Red-
ding loam bodies, is always poorly drained during the rainy season,
ii-regiilarly defined, and of small importance. The surface is tree-
les.■^ and gently slojiing to flat. ex(ej)t for an occasional meandering
depression, usually subject to the accumulation of drainage water

SOIL SURVEY OF THE RED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA.

33

from higher lying soils. The type o-wes its origin to the finer ma-
terial deposited in this manner, and in some cases the process still
slowl}^ continues.

At one time the Tehama clay contributed to the grain production
of the area, but it has fallen into disuse for reasons common to the
other types surrounding it, and at this time furnishes grazing only.
At all times it will remain a soil of secondary agricidtural worth,
but under irrigation, with careful, intelligent handling, it can be de-
veloped into a profitable producer of small fruit and even of alfalfa
upon its deeper phases.

The following table gives the average results of mechanical
analyses of the soil of this type :

Meclianicol analyses of Tehama clay.

Xuniher.

Dascription.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium,
sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine
sand.

Silt.

Clay.

24172,24173

Soil

Per cent.
2.1

Per cent.
2.0

Per cent.
1.8

Per cent.
4.9

Per cent.
18.5

Per cent.
34.9

Per cent.
35.5

MAYWOOD LOAM.

The Maywood loam is subject to considerable minor variation.
Typically it consists of a light-grayish or yellowish-gray loam of a
rather smooth silty texture. It is at all times moderately friable and
easy to cultivate. There are frequent areas of a somewhat gritty,
coarse texture. Other bodies of the opposite tendency occur along
the intermittent streams, the texture here approaching a silt loam.
This loam, in limited areas, extends to a depth of 0 feet, but in nearl}'
all cases is underlain at from 24 to 30 inches by a yellowish clay
loam or silty clay loam. The subsoil, although quite compact, is much
more permeable to plant roots and water than the clay loam subsoil
of the Tehama silt loam. It has a somewhat flocculated structure
and bears evidence of having been reworked b}' water to varying ex-
tents. In power to hold water and in adaptation to dry-farming
methods it is a much better subsoil than that underlying the Tehama
silt loam. Gravel beds may be encountered at a depth of about G
feet along sites of ancient stream ways or in the vicinity of present
^va.-hes. Larger tracts have a subsoil extending to dej)ths of many
feet.

The Maywood loam occupies some rather extensive bodies in the
southwestern part of the area. The country south and west of
Corning for several miles is occupied largely by this type, broken by
patches and streaks of related soils.

This type has a very uniform surface, being smooth and conform-
ing to the general regional slope, amounting to something less than

34 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

20 feet to the mile. It is not so frequently marked by local mounds
or depressions as the Tehama silt loam. Practically the only varia-
tion in topography within the main bodies of this type is occasioned
by the presence of many minor washes. These are only 3 or 4 feet
deep, narrow and winding, with gravelly or sandy beds. During the
wet season they carry much water, but rarely overflow. None are
perennial in character. Aside from these Avashes, which are the
present drainage ways, there are remnants of older ones of their
kind, faintly traceable over the general surface of the soil. Such
abandoned waterways have in some cases been responsible for the
lighter, slightly gravelly phases which occur in the type. The divid-
ing lines between this soil and the Corning series are quite distinct,
occuring at marked differences in elevation. The Corning types
usually rise in elevation several feet above the Maywood loam.
Gradations always prevail at the points of contact between this
type and others of the same and of the Tehama series. The drainage
of the type is excellent, being neither excessive nor restricted.

The Maywood loam in origin is very closely associated with the
Tehama silt loam. It appears that the latter type has been subjected
to irregular erosion and redeposition by many meandering streams
now evidenced by nearly filled, abandoned channels. This has given
rise to the somewdiat reworked variable material classed as the type
in question. Such an origin must of course give rise to a soil of some-
what irregular character, depending upon the degree of erosion and
recovering.

The Maywood loam is treeless, but a fringe of willow and cotton-
wood, with some brush, is usually found in the beds of the waterways.
A better growth of native grasses is found upon uncultivated portions
than upon the Tehama silt loam.

Tlie Maywood loam was all farmed to grain years ago, when grain
farming so thoroughly occupied the soils of the area. Decreased
yields led to the practical abandonment of the soil for this purpose.
Since that time great numbers of small orchards have been planted
and an endeavor has l)een made to make this a dry-farmed fruit soil.
Peaches, pears, figs, olives, primes, and almonds have been planted
and tended with varying degrees of success. Many orchards were
iibandoned' soon after planting; others were brought to maturity by
indifferent methods, to be then abandoned. Principal among the
causes for such discouraging results were the attempts made by non-
resident landowners to plant and care for orchards by contract.
There are scattering orchards located upon the most favorable portions
of the type whicli have been handled by careful methods and thorougli
cultivation. They show better results in the type of trees and fruit
produced. Some of these orchards have been made profitable. Amid
such a mass of varied results a few facts have become apparent. If

SOIL SURVEY OF THE RED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA.

35

the Maywood loam is to produce dry-farmed fruit profitably it can
only be by use of the most careful methods upon its best phases.
"IVhile the type is fairly well adapted to dry-farming methods, the
long dry summer severely taxes the capacities of the best adapted soils
to produce fruit without irrigation. Certain failure faces every care-
less or incompetent effort. Figs, almonds, and olives seem to be most
resistant to weather conditions upon this type when abandoned. An
excellent quality of peaches for both canning and drying is produced
upon this soil. Profits must always remain rather meager as long as
the type remains unirrigated.

Some water is available for pumping, but can never be secured in
sufficient quantities to irrigate any large part of the type. Such
water as has been developed in this way gives good results and abun-
dantly proves the high value of the soil under irrigation. It is thor-
oughly adapted to irrigation, and a very wide range of crops can be
grown upon it whenever water is applied. The entire area occupied
by it is irrigable and can be broken up in small farms once water is
available. Twenty acres is amply sufficient for an average family
when irrigated in the best manner. All the crops suited to the cli-
mate are possible, and it is sufficiently productive to justify a high
water tax.

Mechanical nnalj/ses of Mayivood loam.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Meiium
sand.

Fine i Very fine
sand. 1 sand.

1

Silt.

Clay.

24122

Soil

Per cent.
1.2
1.3

Per cent.
2.4
2.2

Per cent. ' Per cent. Per cent.
2.8 1 13.1 19.3
3. 1 1?!-n : 28.1

Per cent.
47.2
29. .5

Per cent.
13.5

24123

Subsoil

22.8

MAY WOOD FINE SANDY LOAM.

The Maywood fine sandy loam consists of a yellowish-gray fine
sandy loam, appearing when under cultivation as a rather light-tex-
tured loam. It is very friable in structure and usually carries mod-
erate quantities of water worn gravel. The type does not puddle or
crack and possesses nothing to interfere with a natural good tilth and
ease of cultivation. The surface soil grades at from 24 to 30 inches
into an indefinite subsoil. This is usually either loam or gravelly
loam, but in exceptional cases may be composed of gravel beds or
light-textured clay loams. At no place do cemented layers or a true
hardpan appear.

This type occurs in the west-central portion of the area, being en-
tirely a west-side type. Its narrow bodies border some of the small
stream ways as distinct areas of reworked material or strips of
alluvial bottom. The surface is usually level, but marked by the

36

FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

shallow Avindinir lied of the local waterway or its partially filled
older channels. Terraces irenei-ally separate the type from the Red-
ding and Corning loams and the Tehama silt loam, but in the case of
the latter t^pe gradation zones frequently occur. Its contact with
the Maywood silt loam and the Sacramento series is marked by slow
transitions. It is at all times excellently drained.

The ISIaywood fine sandy loam is composed of wash derived irom
the Kedding and Tehama .series and transported short distances. Its
formation has been slow and irregular, at times the result of a re-
working of the Tehama silt loam with additions of fresh material. A
few valley oaks sometimes appear on this type, and a rather luxuri-
ant growth of wild oats and native grasses cover it in the rainy sea-
son. ]\Iost of the type has been farmed to grain for many years and,
while yields have decreased, the practice continues. A few dry-
farmed orchards are located upon it, but the yields are small.

Rapid development of this type must await irrigation, for Avhicli
it is admiral)ly suited. Practically its entire area is irrigable and
suited for alfalfa. i)eaches, prunes, apricots, and other fruits, as well
as melons and many truck crops. Water alone is needed to trans-
form this type into one of small farms and intensive cultivation.
Unfortunatel}-, as with many of the other types, it does not appear
to possess subsurface water in quantities sufficient for irrigation. Its
development tlierefore depends upon the installation of comprehen-
sive gravity .systems.

The following table gives the average results of mechanical analy-
ses of the soil and of a single analysis of the subsoil of this type :

Mcrhtinicdl (ni<ilijfic.'< of Maywood fine sandy loam.

Number.

Doscrlption.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine
sand.

Slit.

Clay.

24127 24129

Soil

Per cent.
1.8
.0

Per cent.

2.6

.2

Per cent.

2.7

.2

Per cent.
15.1
5.2

Per cent.
37.4
24.7

Per cent.
30.4
49.6

Per cent.
9 6

24128

Subsoil

19.8

M.WWOOI) (iKAVELLY SANUY LOAM.

The Maywood graM-lly sandy loam consists of a grayish-brown
sandy loam of varying character, carrying moderate to excessive
quantities of walcrworu gravel and coarse sand. It is sometimes
rather leachy and poious in character and usually G feet deep. The
(yj)e may be underlain at uncertain depths below 18 inches l)y
gravelly beds of coar.se, incoherent structure or by a clay loam
( loscly resembling that of the Maywood loam. This soil is easy to
cultivate at all times but occa.sionally puddles slightly during the
rainy periods.

SOIL SURVEY OF THE EED BLLTFF AREA, CALIFORNIA,

37

Numerous small bodies of the Maywood gravelly sandy loam
occur in the western part of the area, usually bordering the smaller
intermittent stream ways and not much elevated above them. The
surface is usually level, the only variation being the small stream
channels of the locality. The boundaries between this type and the
Tehama gravelly loam and other types are often indistinct. It is
at all times well drained. No tree grow^th occurs except in the
stream channels, where an occasional cottonwood or willow is found.

The Maj^wood gravelly sandy loam is an alluvial soil formed
from materials derived largely from the Tehama and Redding series.
It occurs in the zone of present stream ways, and is quite similar to
the Tehama gravelly loam in some of its phases.

Some grain is grown upon the type, and with good care a few dry-
farmed orchards of peaches have been brought to bearing. It re-
quires irrigation, however, to insure extensive development. Small
quantities of underground water for irrigation can be secured by
pumping, but the supply is insufficient. With a gravity system this
type will be found admirably suited to irrigation. Practically all of
the type is irrigable. It is well adapted to olives, peaches, alfalfa,
and a great variety of crops.

The following table gives the average results of mechanical analy-
ses of the soil of this type :

MechanicdJ analysis of Maijirood gravcJUj sanOij loam.

Number.

Description.

Fine
piavpl.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine
.sand.

S:lt.

Clay.

24134,24135

Soil

Per cent.
12.9

Pa cent.
11.8

Per cent.

0.2

Per cent.
15.9

Per cent.
12.7

Per cent.
31. 0

Per cent.

8.G

MAYWOOD SILT LOAM.

The Maywood silt loam consi.sts of a yellowish or yellowish-gray,
smooth textured soil, usually quite compact and sticky w^hen wet, yet
friable when properly handled. It is very uniform in texture, with
but little or no coarser material, such as gravel. At from 30 to 36
inches the silt loam grades into a very compact silty clay loam or
silty loam of great water-holding capacity. This in turn may be
underlain at about 6 feet by gravel beds or may extend with little
variation to great depths.

This type is confined to several medium-sized bodies along the
minor west side streams, or as bodies deposited bj'^ these streams where
they leave their small valleys and emerge into the alluvial plain of
the Sacramento. The surface is level and very uniform. Drainage
is adequate over most of the type.

38

FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

The Maywood silt loaiu is alluvial in origin. The small streams
alon^ which it lies have built this soil from material lar<!:ely derived
from the Tehama silt loam and the soils of the Reddiiiij series. The
outer boundaries are indistinct at points where the type merges into
the floor of the Sacramento Valley.

The valley oak grows upon some portions of this type, and this
with a few willows forms the tree growth. A better than average
growth of grass also occurs, uncultivated areas affording good pas-
turage.

There are several good orchards on the Maywood silt loam, grown
without irrigation, and producing fair returns. There are also sev-
eral fields of dry-farmed alfalfa producing profitable crops. It is
one of the best soils of the area for dry farming and some develop-
ment can be hoped for upon this type without irrigation, if very
thorough cultivation is resorted to in order to conserve the moisture.
The whole type is irrigable and well adapted to a wide range of
irrigated crops. All the fruits of this section, as well as alfalfa,
will yield well and justify' a moderately heavy tax for irrigation
purposes.

The following table gives the average results of mechanical analy-
ses of the soil and subsoil of this type:

Mechanical analijscs of Maywood .'<Ut loom.

Number.

Doscription.

Fine
gravel.

Coar^io
sand.

Medinni.
sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine
sand.

Silt.

Clay.

24130, 24132

Soil

Per cent.
1.6
1.3

Per cent.
2.2

2.1

Per cent.
1.9
1.9

Per cent.
9.5
0.4

Per cent.
11.3
19.9

Per cent.
57.3

48.6

Per cera.
15.9

24131,24133

Subsoil

19.4

M.VYWOOD SILTY CLAY LOAM.

The soil of the Mayw^ood silty clay loam consists of a very smooth
textured gray silty clay loam, very compact, which cracks upon dry-
ing, being rather refractor}' under such conditions. This material
extends to a depth of 0 feet, with the single variation that it is occa-
sionally found with a lighter colored subsoil. It is free from coarse
sand and gravel. The type is but fairly easy to cultivate, its heavy
character and puddling tendenc}^ preventing the best of tilth.

Only twf> or ilircc small bodies of this type were encountered, all
on the w('>t side (»f (he river, the largest being near Corning. Its
small extent makes it an unimportant type. ,The surface is usually
flat and surface water escapes slowly.

The Maywood silty clay loam is a redeposited product derived
from the 'I'ehania soils in much the same manner as the Tehama clay

SOIL SUEVEY OF THE RED BLUFF AEEA, CALIFORNIA.

39

was formed from other types. Intermittent streams have accumu-
lated this type by gradual wash, and it grades rather imperceptibly
into some of the other types of the same elevation.

About 50 i^er cent of this inextensive soil is devoted to pears, figs,
peaches, and alfalfa, the remainder being grazing land. A little
irrigation is practiced by pumping, and results give evidence of a
natural fertility and adaptation to irrigated crops of the region.
"With more extensive watering its whole area will be found capable
of intensive development. Alfalfa and practically all the fruits of
the area are possible. Pears maj^ be found very well adapted to
this soil. It can not be made to produce maximum yields without
irrigation and the profits derived from it at present are meager.
Only small quantities of water are available for pumping, and its
development will depend upon irrigation with water drawn from
distant sources.

The following table gives the results of a mechanical analysis of
the soil of this type '.

Mechanical analyfiis of Mayicood siliii clay loam.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Mefliiim
sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine
sand.

Silt.

Clay.

24136

Soil

Per cent.
0.4

Per cent.
1.0

Per cent.
1.4

Per cent.
6.8

Per cent.
8.5

Per cent.

58.5

Per cent.
22 9

KIKKWOOD SILTY CLAY ADODE.

The Kirkwood silty clay adobe consists of a dark-gray to almost
black silty claj' or heavj^ silt}" clay loam of smooth, very sticky texture.
It at all times possesses an adobe structure, cracking into huge blocks,
which are subsequently checked and subdivided into small cubes or
angular fragments. The type is puddled and miry when wet and
exceedingly hard and compact when dry, rendering it a soil of poor
tilth and refractory character. It is usually 6 feet deep. The subsoil
is occasionally a lighter textured, slightly more friable clay loam,
but not of sufficient thickness to modify the soil. A small content of
waterworn gravel is occasionally found. In some places the cemented
clay, sand, and fine gravel of the contiguous Corning gravelly loam
underlies the type at depths below 5i inches.

This type occupies several relatively small bodies partially sur-
rounded by or closely associated with the Corning gravelly loam.
Its surface is level to gently sloping, and the areas are quite dis-
tinctly separated from the Corning gravelly loam by terraces or steep
banks. The surface drainage is rather good, despite the fact that the
type often receives run-off from the higher soils. A water-logged

40

FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

condition sometimes prevails for short periods, owino; to the diffi-
culty with which water percolates through the soil.

The Kirkwood silty clay adobe is quite different in texture and
structure from the numerous types derived from the Red Bluff for-
mation. It is probable, however, that it is derived from the same or
kindred materials, its elevation and location bearing out such a con-
clusion. It is treeless, but supports a heavy growth of wild oats and
other grasses.

The tj'pe is partly devoted to grain farming, good yields being
secured. Fruit culture is hardly possible without irrigation. All of
this inextensive type is capable of development where irrigation
water is provided. Underground water is not available, and it must
be irrigated by the same methods as the surrounding types. It is
believed that pears, alfalfa, and a variety of fruit crops will be well
adapted to this type. Its poor tilth will be much improved under
cultivation.

The following table gives the average results of mechanical analy-
ses of the soil of this type :

Mechanicul analyses of Kirkwood silti/ clan adohr.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium,
sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine
sand.

Silt.

("lay.

24113, 24U4.

Soil.

Per Cfjit.
1.1

Per cent.

1.7

Per cent.
1.0

Per cent.
4.0

Per cent.
fi.O

Per cent.
52.1

Per cent.
33.4

The followin;; sample contained more than one-half of i per cent calcium carbonate
{CaCOs) : No. 2411:], .5.13 per cent.

TU.SCAN STONY SANDY I.OAM.

The surface soil of the Tuscan stony sandy loam consists of from
3 to 12 inches of reddish or reddish-brown sandy loam, slightly
sticky and rather compact. Everywhere over the surface are quanti-
ties of rounded bowlders, occurring as an irregular, scattered cover-
ing or as numerous meandering strips, occupying the bottoms of
.shallow depressions. These loose stones, all of volcanic origin, range
ill size from 8 to 14 inches in diameter. In their disintegration they
fill the soil material with quantities of small-sized subangular frag-
ments. This shallow mantle of stony loam, usually of a sandy na-
ture. iej)re.sents the total depth available for agriculture. It is
immediately underlain by masses of cemented waterworn gravel,
sometimes roughly assorted and interstratified with beds of fine-tex-
lured gray material, some of them Ijeing tufaceous, but most of them
being gray sand derived from volcanic rocks of various kinds. Nu-
merous exposures bear out the great depth and uniformity of this
material. The soil is often eroded over considerable areas, exposing
these indurated beds with but a thin irregular covering.

SOIL SURVEY OF THE RED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA.

41

The Tuscan stony sandj^ loam covers a considerable extent in the
eastern part of the area and is locally known as " lava flows." The
l^lains which it occupies usually border the Sacramento and Vina
series, distinct bluffs or terraces interA^ening. Abrupt ascents again
separate it from the Rough stony land. The surface of the region
occupied by this type once occurred as an unbroken plain but now
is somewhat diversified by stream ways with a general slope toward
the river trough of about 50 or 60 feet to the mile. It is entirely
treeless, except along these small canyons, and in fact supports
nothing but a scant growth of grass suitable only for sheep.

It consists in part of residual material and, in places, of reworked
stream-deposited material. The surface soil is no doubt largely a
secondary residual material — the disintegrated product of the great
quantities of bowlders and finer material previously mentioned.

This soil is a nonagricultural type. The very shallow depths
available for plant roots, coupled with the unfavorable subsoil con-
dition, makes it the jjoorest type of the area. It is hard to foresee
the time when, even with irrigation, its present condition will be
materially changed.

The following table gives the average results of mechanical
analyses of the soil of this type :

Mechanical analyses of Tuscan stnnri sanchj loam.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine c;-,.
sand. ^"*-

Clay.

2-1177,24178

Soil

Per cent.

7.4

Per cent.
14.7

Per cent.
7.9

Per cent.
11.7

Per cent.
16.9

Per cent.
28.9

Per cent.
12i3

TUSCAN STONY LOAM.

The Tuscan stony loam bears strong resemblances to the stony
sandy loam of the same series. Typically it consists of from 18 to
SO inches of reddish or reddish-brown loam carrying fewer rock frag-
ments in the soil body and less burdened with the stony surface accu-
mulation than the Tuscan stony sandy loam. It is always underlain
at a shalloAv depth, rarely over 30 inches, by the impenetrable mass
of cemented volcanic material previously described. As is the case
in the stony sandy loam, this underlying material is sometimes ex-
posed at the surface. The type is subject to little variation except
along lines of contact with the Vina series where gradations some-
times occur.

The type occupies several bodies of medium extent in that section
of the area east of the Sacramento River. Its general surface is level
to rolling and is marked by meandering drainage depressions with
indistinct banks. It is at all times treeless and barren in appearance.

42

FIELD OPERATIOXS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

In origin this type is almost identical with the Tuscan stony sandy
loam. It varies from the latter type in that it usually occupies
slightly lower general elevations and has thus received some trans-
ported material to increase its depth.

Attempts have been made to grow grain upon this type, but with
small success, it being soon abandoned to use as sheep range. At.
some distant date the deeper parts of this type may be utilized, with
irrigation, for shallow-rooted crops. The low state of development
at this time, even of better types than this, places its relative worth
very low. It will never be adapted to alfalfa or to any of the deeper
rooted cro])s.

The following tal)le gives the average results of mechanical analy-
ses of the soil of tliis type :

McclKtiiivaJ iiiiiilysc.s of Tuscan stoiii/ hxini.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine
sand.

Silt.

Clay.

24179,24180

Soil

Per cent.
4.0

Per cent.
6.0

Per cent.
4.9

Per cent.
11.8

Per cent.
20.0

Per cent.
30.1

Per cent.
23.1

ELDER GRAVELLY FINE SANDY LOAM.

The Polder gravelly fine sandy loam is much stratified alluvial ma-
terial of coar.'^e texture and rather recent deposition. It is subject to
much variation. Typically it consists of a grayish, rather light-
textured fine sandy loam carrying waterworn gravel of various sizes,
often in excessive quantities. This material may extend to a depth of
72 inches or be underlain at any depth below 18 inches by stratified
bodies of sand, silt, or gravel beds in irregular sequences.

The area of this type is small, being confined to the alluvial bot-
toms of the ])rincipal we.st-side streams, bordering and but slightly
elevated above their present channels.

It is of recent origin, being the material carried and rolled long-
distances by flood waters and in most cases still subject to overflow
and modification by erosion and addition of fresh material. The
surface is pitted and strewn with gravel, but generally level, except
for intermittent stream ways and abandoned gullies traversing the
surface. It usually borders the streams with steep banks, its inco-
herent structure jjeimitting a sudden change in the channel course by
erosion. It naturally ■supports a vigorous growth of underbrush and
fre<|uently a dense tree growth, most bodies being yet uncleared.

It is of i-elatively small agricultural importance. Owing to its
limited extent and porous, leachy character, large quantities of irri-
gation A\ater are necessary if this soil is to be made productive. At

SOIL SURVEY OF THE RED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA.

43

present no use is made of it except as pasture. Irrigation water can
be developed for it by pumping from the stream bed along which it
lies. It would be better, however, to use this water in the develop-
ment of the better t^'pes of the same series which possess equal
advantages of proximity to pumping sites.

At some distant date when water for irrigation becomes sufficiently
abundant to justify a copious application to this soil it may be ex-
pected to return fair yields of alfalfa and various fruits, except on
the sandy or gravelly unproductive spots. As a whole it does not
justify an average tax for water rights, but fortunately its area is
limited.

The following table gives the results of a mechanical analysis of
the soil of this type :

Mechanical analysis of Elder gravelly fine sandy loam.

Xumber.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine Very fine
sand. sand.

sut.

Clay.

24121

Soil

Per cent.
3.0

Per cent.

7.C

Percent.
9.6

Percent. , Per cent.
38.6 11.8

Per cent.
23.4

Per cent.
5.9

ELDER SILT LOAM.

The Elder silt loam consists of a smooth-textured very friable silt
loam, ranging in color from grayish to dark gray, and having a
depth of 6 feet or more. This material is underlain by coarse al-
luvium. The few variations from this typical structure are found
i^rincipally at points of contact with the silty clay loam and gravelly
fine sandy loam of the same series, gradual transitions from type to
type being the rule. A similar variation occurs at the section where
the alluvial materials of Elder and Thomas Creeks approach the
flood plains of the Sacramento. In exceptional cases the surface
carries a few, rounded cobbles.

The most representative body of this type lies around Richfield,
as the rather broad alluvial bottom of Thomas Creek. This body,
together with others along the same creek and some of smaller area
along Elder Creek, comprises most of the type. They are all con-
fined to the west side. The surface is level and without minor ir-
regularities to decrease the value of the type for farming. It is only
slightly marked b}^ shallow remnants of winding waterways, formerly
overflow channels or the courses of minor drainage ways. The type
is well drained, being suificiently elevated to escape overflow and
possessing no underground features to arrest the jDcrcolation of
surface water. It is usually separated from the major streams by
strips of Elder gravelly fine sandy loam, and where it reaches the

44

FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

valley edge a low terrace usually marks the beginning of the more
elevated series previously described.

In origin this type is wholly alluvial. l)eing the somewhat recent
finer material laid down by the two principal west side creeks pre-
viously mentioned. It does not appear that wash from the Redding
or Tehama series has influenced the type in any marked degree.
Great solitary valley oaks dot the surface, remaining members of a
heavier growth, and upon uncleared portions they are accompanied
by thickets of elder, Avillow, and coffee berry, contrasting strongly
in late summer with the barren apjjearance just above the terrace.
The rocks yielding the particles forming the Elder silt loam lie far
beyond the western limits of the Red Bluff area along the stream
sources.

It is a first-class agricultural soil, being fully utilized at this time,
principally in the production of dry-farmed grain. There are also
orchards of prunes and ^x^aches covering limited areas near Richfield,
together with some alfalfa irrigated by means of water pumped from
the gravel beds of Thomas Creek. The type produces heavy yields
per acre of wheat and barley under an extensive cropping system, but
can not long continue to be simply a grain soil because of its great
possibilities. It is one of the best soils of the area, and with irriga-
tion is capable of a high degree of intensive cultivation. All the fruits,
alfalfa, sugar beets, berries, melons, and truck crops will return
profitable yields whenever the soil shall be developed by the applica-
tion of water. This is one of the few types of the west side having
access to readilj'^ available underground water for irrigation. While
the expense of pumping is considerable it is not prohibitive. There
:ire some bodies of the type of older deposition lyin.g slightly above
the present alluvial plain, but the surface of most of it lies at an
elevation easily reached by a moderate lift with centrifugal pumps.
Water sufficient for considerable development could be secured in this
way from the gravelly beds of Thomas and Elder Creeks for crops
not now possible. The type is not suited to intensive cultivation
A.ithout irrigation, and while with care trees can be brought to ma-
turity the returns are light. Its proper development requires some
comprehensive system of irrigation.

The following table gives the average results of mechanical analyses
of the soil of this type:

McclKiiiicdl ini<il!i'<( .■< (if r]hl( r .v//.' Ininn.

Number.

Description.

Fine
Kravpl.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine
sand.

Silt.

Clay.

24n5, 24110

Soil

I'er cent.
0.0

Per cent.
0.2

Per cent.
0.8

Per cent.
10. 9

Per cent.
17.1

Per cent.
55.4

Per cent.
9.7

SOIL SURVEY OF THE RED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA.

45

ELDKR SILTY CLAY LOAM.

The soil of the Elder silty clay loam consists of a very smooth-
textured clay loam, carrjang a relatively high quantity of silt. It
has about the same color as the Elder silt loam, being a dark gray.
The soil is comparatively uniform, rich in organic matter, and easily
tilled. It is underlain at 24 to 80 inches bj^ a heavy loam of great
water-holding power-, a little lighter colored and of more compact
structure than the overlying material. In exceptional cases the sub-
soil carries considerabh' greater quantities of fine sand, rendering it
somewhat more permeable than the typical loam material. Some-
times a small quantity of waterworn gravel is present. At varying
depths below 6 feet gravel beds are found.

The Elder silty clay loam, occurs in bodies of medium extent along
Thomas and Elder Creeks, the largest area being on the south side of
the latter stream. The boundaries between this and other types are
rather indistinct. In extent, topogi-aphy, relative elevation, and
drainage features it corresj^onds very closely with the Elder silt loam,
the two types being intimatelj^ associated soils formed b}' the same
agencies but of different-sized particles.

The Elder silty clay loam is alluvial throughout. Elder and
Thomas Creeks contribute to its formation by depositing the finer-
textured materials under water conditions slightly different from
those surrounding the formation of the silt loam. It is possible that
the type is a little older in time of deposition than the rest of the
series and has undergone some modification by weathering.

This soil is utilized in the production of grain, heav}^ yields being
the rule. Some small fields of alfalfa are under irrigation. As with
the Elder silt loam its great value is not brought out in the produc-
tion of grain crops, although they must continue in the absence of
irrigation. It is perhaps a little less friable and will be slightly less
adapted to very intensive cropping than the silt loam, but is one of
the first soils of the area in productiveness. Irrigation is all it needs.
This could be supplied in a somewhat unsatisfactory, incomplete way
by more extensive pumping from the accessible stream beds. A com-
prehensive gravity system is needed for the fullest development of
the type. It will be found well adapted to a wide range of crops.

The following table gives the results of mechanical analyses of the
soil and subsoil of this type :

Mechanical analyses of Elder silty clay loam.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse Medium
sand. sand.

Fine Very fine
sand. sand.

1

Silt.

Clay.

24119

Soil

Per cent.

0.1

.0

Per cent. Per cent.
0 2 0.4

Per cent. ' Per cent.
5.9 17.1

Per cent.
56.6
38.3

Per cent.
19.5

24120

.. Subsoil

.3 .4

9.0 31.8

19.9

46 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

VINA FINE SANDY LOAM.

This type of soil consists of a daik-<iTay or grayish-brown to almost
black fine sandy loam, sometimes micaceous and iisnally extending
to a depth of (J feet. It has an extremely friable structure and is
easy to cultivate. This type is in the main remarkably uniform,
although there are small patches where the typical smooth fine
sandy texture gives Avay to a slightly coarser phase or to a soil con-
taining more silt. It is usually free from gravel, except in narrow
.strips bordering washes, where coarser alluviimi may be present.
That bod}' lying along ]\Iill Creek often lias quantities of andesitic
gravel strewn over the surface, orginating from bodies of contiguous
Tuscan stony sandy loam. In the few places where the type has a
depth of less than 6 feet it is underlain by gravel beds or by the
volcanic conglomerate masses of bordering types.

The type is found as an extensive body along Deer Creek, widen-
ing as it approaches the town of Vina and reaching the Sacramento
River with a frontage of about 1 mile. More limited areas lie along
Mill and Antelope Creeks. The l)()undary lines defining this soil are
usually quite distinct in the Mill Creek section, being marked by
terrace lines. This is also true along such parts of the Deer Creek
body as lie in contact with the Tuscan series. It is only on the valley
trough side and in the Antelope Creek sections that gradations into
other types are found.

The surface of the Vina fine sandy loam is smooth, but with a con-
siderable slope toward the Sacramento River, averaging in rate of
fall the streams along which it lies, or about 30 or 40 feet to the mile.
There arc many gentle dei)rossions marking the surface, and irriga-
tion in certain parts has rendered these old channel remnants rather
poorly drained. Relief of such places by simply freeing the channels
through deepening them slightly would render the type well drained
throughout. It is porous and subsoil drainage is naturally good.

The valley oak finds a natural home upon this type and this growth
yet remains upon uncultivatel areas. AVillow,cottonwood, and grape-
vines grow plentiful!}' along tlie stream ways.

In origin this type is entirely alluvial, and it is the most recent
product of tlie east side pei'ennial streams, Antelope, JMill, and Deer
Cicck's. It has been carried fiom the upper-stream sources and laid
<lowii in its j)i-escnt position without a great deal of intermingling
with the materials of tiie 'J'liscan or other soil series occurring in the
area. The process of foi'ination has been accompanied by an erosion
of the old Tuscan tiilT inalcrial.

The Vina fine sandy loam, because of its depth, frial)le'stnicture,
natuial fertility, and ii-i'igation possibilities is in its typical occur-
rence one of the most valuable soils in the area. Its entire area is
capable of irrigation, and considerable development along this line

SOIL SURVEY OF THE RED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA.

47

has taken place. It is too valuable a soil for grain growing, although
heavy crops are secured from such parts as are not otherwise utilized.
Alfalfa is admirably adapted to produce maximum yields and is
receiving much attention. Numerous old peach orchards give evi-
dence, by the superior quality and yield of fruit, that this is a stable
industry. The orchards are generally rather poorly cared for and
maximum profits are not made. The Stanford Ranch has demon-
strated the production of wine grapes to be profitable. The type
has as wide a crop range as any other in northern California, and
more intensive agriculture upon it is fully warranted. Truck crops
melons, and all the stone fruits will be profitable. Under intensive
methods such a soil under the local climatic conditions is capable of
supporting a family upon an average tract of 20 acres.

Vina fine sandy loam, gravelly phase. — The soil of the gravelly
phase of the Vina fine sandy loam is subject to considerable varia-
tion in texture, structure, and depth, but consists usually of a brown
loam of fine sandy texture and of rather loose character, carrying a
large content of gravel from_ volcanic rocks. At a depth varying
from 20 to 36 inches it is underlain by cobbles derived from erosion
of the material of the Tuscan series or of the indurated volcanic
gravel commonly underlying the soils of the Vina and Tuscan series.
The surface is usually more or less strewn with angular volcanic cob-
bles and bowlders. The surface is sloping and is excessively drained.

The type is largely a reworked product of the Tuscan series, in
many instances grading into it. Intermittent stream wash largely
forms the material and accounts for its variability. It is treeless and
of limited extent.

This limited area of soil, indicated in the soil map by gravel symbol,
is typically better in agricultural possibilities than the Tuscan series,
but poorer than any other of the Vina series. Parts of one or two
fields of grain-farmed land appear upon this phase, but at present it
is not used to any appreciable extent for agriculture, grazing being
practically its use. Parts of it can be intensively developed with
water for irrigation.

The following table gives the average results of mechanical analy-
ses of samples of the soil of the Vina fine sandy loam and of a single
analysis of the soil of the gravelly phase :

Mechanical analyses of Vina fine sandy loam.

Number.

Descrip-
tion.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine
sand.

Silt.

Clay.

Typical soil:

24137,24138,24139...
Gravelly phase:

24141

Soil...
...do...

Per cent.
0.5

1.9

Per cent.
2.6

3.6

Per cent.
5.7

4.6

Per cent.
27.1

17.7

Per cent.
33.8

24.6

Per cent.
22.1

21.6

Per cent.
7.8

25 5

48 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

VINA LOAM.

The Vina loam consists typically of from '20 to 30 inches of brown
or reddi.sh-broAvn smooth-textured loam. In some places the content
of silt is higher and the depth of soil greater (G feet or more) than
in the typical areas. Generally the soil is underlain at a depth of
about 24 inches by gravel beds. These are composed of reworked
transported material derived from the indurated subsoil of the Tus-
can series or the type may rest directly upon these undisturbed con-
glomerate nuisses. Small quantities of waterworn volcanic gravel
are also usually present in the typical soil, though onl}^ in exceptional
cases in amounts sufficient to influence the tillage or yields. The
type is at all times rather friable and well drained.

The Vina loam occurs in several fan-shaped bodies in the delta of
Mill Creek and is practically confined to the region influenced by
this stream. The surface is level to gently sloping. Its different
bodies are separated by the depressions of actual or abandoned chan-
nels of Mill Creek which approach the Sacramento River by diverg-
ing courses. Kather abrupt terraces, usually bordering thase depres-
sions, form the most pronounced topographic feature of the type.

The region occupied by the Vina loam was at one time a part of an
extensive plain, large portions of which are still occupied by the
Tuscan series. Mill Creek, a perennial stream, traverses this j^lain
in a small valley until it reaches a point about 2 or 3 miles from
the Sacramento River, when its main waterway divides into several
small channels, some in present use and others abandoned. The
Vina loam occupies the areas lying between these channels. Its sur-
face material is the product carried some distances by the stream
and intermingled with soil material of the original plain which has
been largely removed by erosion. The subsoil, with its variations
from loose to cemented gravel, represents the different degrees of
reworking to wliich the subsurface layers have been subjected.

The original vegetation consisted largely of blue oak, with ceano-
tiius and cliapnii-al. Parts of the areas are yet covered with this
growth.

Limited areas were cleared years ago and devoted to grain, but its
princij):il area did not receive serious attention until the recent irri-
gation development in the region occupied by this and kindred types.
It constitutes the body of land locally known as the " Park soils."
The value of this type without irrigation is small, grain being per-
haps the only fro|) ])()ssil)l(» and even this giving Ioav yields. With
irrigation and iiilclligciit methods a diversity of crops is possible.
The soil, generally speaking, is rather shallow for most irrigated
crops, so that its range of adaptation is relatively limited. Alfalfa
is not to he iccoiiimended, and the same is true of all the deeper
rooted tree fruits, except on those portions where quite a depth of

SOIL SURVEY OP THE RED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA.

49

soil or a free gravelly subsoil occur. Berries, melons, peaches, and
grapes will thrive and give returns commensurate ^Yith "a mod-
erate land value. The establishment of citrus fruit industries is
impracticable.

Vina loam, deep silty phase, — The deep silty phase of the Vina
loam is of brownish or grayish-brown color and usually extends to
a depth of 6 feet. It is of friable character and yields readily to
tillage.

This phase occurs as two or three somewhat extensive bodies below
the large terrace line separating the upland Tuscan series from the
alluvial plain of the Sacramento River and at a higher elevation than
the Sacramento series. In the Antelope Creek section it borders the
various channels of that creek where this stream turns at an angle
toward the river. As the river is approached the type gradually
gives way to the types of the Sacramento series.

The surface of the areas is level, but well drained, and sufficiently
elevated to escape flooding by the Sacramento River overflow. Chan-
nels of abandoned waterwaj^s mark its surface.

In origin this is an alluvial type, formed from material laid down
by the east side streams in their shifting courses after leaving the con-
fined channels which they have cut through the elevated plain. The
soil is of great depth, but in nearly all cases the volcanic gravel beds
underlie it, probably within 20 or 30 feet.

Valley oak, cottonwood, willow, and sycamore along the water
courses constitute the natural tree growth. Wild oats and wild
grasses grow luxuriantly.

Practically all of this phase is utilized, the greater part for grain
growing, but with some attention to irrigated alfalfa, maximum
yields of both crops being secured.

The deep silty phase of the Vina loam is much superior to the
more elevated and shallower phases and is one of the very best soils
of the area. It possesses a wide range in adaptation to crops and is
capable of being brought to a high state of cultivation under irriga-
tion. It is well adapted to all the crops climatically possible and will
not fail to give maximum yields of peaches, prunes, grapes, sugar
beets, alfalfa, and various truck crops.

The following table gives the results of a mechanical analysis of
the soil of this type :

Mechanical analysis of Tina loam.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine
sand.

Silt.

Clay.

24143

Soil

Per cent.
1.4

Per cent.

2.S

Per cent.
3.6

Per cent.
12.5

Per cent.
19.1

Per cent.
45.8

Per cent.
14.8

60 FIELD OPERATIONS OP THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

VINA CLAY LOAM.

The soil of the Vina clay loam consists of a light-brown, very
smooth textured clay loam with a tendency' to puddle and crack
slightly over a considerable proportion of its area. This material may
extend to a depth of C) feet, but is typically underlain at depths below
24 inches by a slightly lighter colored clay loam or heavy loam, some-
times carrying small quantities of gritty material. At times a few
small waterworn, volcanic gravel occur in the surface soil, but never
in quantities sufficient to alter field conditions. Everything con-
sidered, both the soil and subsoil are remarkably fine in texture and
inclined to compact. These characteristics do not prevent the soil
from becoming quite friable with proper tillage. At a minimum
depth of about 5 feet, usually much more, is found the volcanic con-
glomerate underlying the Tuscan series. It can scarcely in any
instance seriously affect the agricultural value of the type.

This type is rather an important one, occurring in several extensive
bodies on the east side of the Sacramento River. It usually occurs as
rather broad tracts just below the marked terrace separating the
upland Tuscan series from the alluvial valley of the Sacramento. It
lies at a general elevation only slightly above the soils classified with
the Sacramento series. Along the contact with the Tuscan series
distinct lines of division appear, but in separating it from other tj^pes
the boundaries were more or less arbitrarily drawn.

The Vina clay loam typically has a level surface marked by shallow
depressions and abandoned waterwa3's. The type is subject to inter-
mittent ovei'flow by flood waters of the small streams as they emerge
from their small canyons into this plains region. The surface drain-
age is sluggish.

The t3'pe is entirely alluvial in origin, being the finer material laid
down in quiet water by the lateral drainage ways along the sides of
the great alluvial plain. The material is derived largely from the
Tuscan series of soils.

In a natural state the Vina clay loam supports valley oaks of large
size. Luxuriant gi'owths of wild oats yield hay upon such portions
as are not under cultivation. Grain growing constitutes practically
the only use of this type at present and without irrigation the produc-
tion of this crop alone must continue. Good yields are the rule. It
is not believed that much headway toward intensive cropping can be
made without irrigation. Beyond doubt the soil is admirably adapted
to a variety of crops, making small holdings possible. Such irriga-
tion development as has taken place in the vicinity of Los Molinos in-
dicates that the type is well suited to alfalfa, the stone fruits, and a
great variety of general farm crops. It is a good soil and practically
its entire area is suited for subdivision into small farms whenever
irrigation is provided.

SOIL SURVEY OF THE EED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA,

51

The following table gives the average results of mechanical
analyses of the soil and subsoil of this type :

Mechanical analyses of Vina clay loam.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine

sand.

sut.

Clay. .

24144,24146

Soil

Per cent.

0.4

.2

Per cent.
1.0
1.2

Per cent.
1.4
1.7

Per cent.
7.3

8.4

Per cent.
22.3
20.4

Per cent.
47.9
46.4

Per cent.
19.2

24145,24147

Subsoil

21.1

VINA CL.VY ADOBE.

The Vina clay adobe is a very dark-gray or black, heavy textured
clay of pronounced adobe structure. It is extremely hard and com-
pact when diy and cracks into the typical rough cubes. When wet
it is almost impassable because of its sticky character. Altogether
it is a refractory, poorly structured soil, although carrying quantities
of small volcanic gravel throughout its principal bodies. It has
many small drainage ways down its slopes, sometimes defined as
water channels, but usually occurring as ill-defined meandering de-
pressions without abrupt banks. These depressions contain great
quantities of roughly shaped volcanic bowlders from 3 to 8 inches
in diameter and give the surface a netted appearance. This gravelly
adobe material usually does not have a depth of more than 20 to 48
inches where it grades sharply into the indurated mass of gravel and
volcanic tuff which underlies much of the east side of the valley.

Boundaries of the areas of the Vina clay adobe are rather indis-
tinct and transitions rather than sharp lines characterize its contact
with other types. It includes fi-equent small bodies of Tuscan soils.
There are a few minor areas of the type occurring below the terrace
and associated wdth the alluvial plains soils and here a greater depth
of soil, absence of the surface accumulations of bowlders, and a flatter
surface prevail. This latter phase, which is indicated upon the map
by ruling, covers several poorly drained depressions occurring wdthin
the Vina cla}^ loam. The main bodies extend irregularly down the
slopes within bodies of Tuscan stony sandy loam, being associated
with that type in position and elevation, and so properly classed as
an upland soil.

Its general surface is that of a sloping plain of good average
drainage, except along its lower borders wdiere the fall decreases on
contact with lower-lying types. The greatest variation in surface
condition is caused by the parallel or winding stone-laden waterways.

In origin the type is probably coUuvial and alluvial. It is formed
mainly of material l)rought from beyond the eastern boundary of the
survey by intermittent streams.

52

FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

Except ill those limited areas previously mentioned a-s l.ying below
the upland, the type is treeless. A sparse native grass does little to
relieve the general barren and desolate appearance of the areas. On
the low-lying bodies valley oaks are found. Here the general condi-
tions of development are more like those of the poorly drained
portions of tlie Vina clay loam.

At i)rcsent the type is not cultivated except for grain growing upon
certain small areas favored with greater depth of soil than usually
found. With the Tuscan stony loam of the same region it is used
for grazing and can be correctly classed as a grazing soil. It is a
poor soil for ordinaiy crops, owing to its shallow depth, stony sur-
face, and unfavorable structure. If anything is ever made of this
type it will come as a result of considerable effort in overcoming
these natural phj^sical defects. Irrigation Avill of course be necessar3\
Little hope of immediate development can be entertained for the
bulk of the tj^pe. Even with irrigation no deep-rooted crops Avill
make a vigorous growth, and the same holds with regard to the truck
crops, owing to their need of constant cultivation. Perhaps pear and
grape culture may prove possible. In any event the soil must be
conditioned by careful cultivation and the use of green manures to
secure a granulated structure, which it does not now possess.

The following table gives the average results of mechanical analy-
ses of the soil of this type:

Mcchttnicnl (innli/soi of ^'iml clay ailobr.

Number.

Description

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine
sand.

\'iTy fine
sand.

Silt.

Clay.

24148,24149

Soil

Per ceni.
1.5

Per cent.
2.0

Per cent.
2.2

Per cent.
4.3

Per rent.
9.0

Per cent.
33.3

Per cent.
46.9

SACRAMKNTO FINK SAND.

The surface soil of the Sacramento fine sand consists of a fine-
textured, brownish-gray, micaceous sand of loose structure. It may
extend to a depth of 6 feet, but is usually underlain at varying
depths below 12 inches by material similar to that forming the silt
loam or fine sandy loam of the same series. It is subject to consid-
erable variation, and owing to its manner of formation is marked by
many sniall patches of related soils.

It occurs in several bodies of small extent, or islands, along the
Sacramento Kiver. The type is subject to annual overflow, either
entirely or in the numerous cuts and waterways, which give it a
much dis.serted and eroded surface by their constantly shifting
courses.

SOIL SUKVEY OF THE EED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA.

53

It is alluvial in origin and is the comparatively recent product
of flood waters, being the medium-textured alluvium deposited by
flood waters. At some points where the floods sweep across low-
lying land occupying bends in the Sacramento River, severe erosion
has taken place, accompanied by deposition of fine sand as an irregu-
lar covering. At earlier times some sections now occupied by this
type were not subject to such frequent flooding and so were cleared
and utilized for agi'iculture. Slight changes in the river increased
erosion, resulting in the abandonment of the small sections so affected.

Most of this type has never been cleared and supports the thickest
jungle to be found in the Sacramento bottoms. Lofty cottouAvoods,
sycamores, and oaks with interlacing branches are often festooned to
their tops with masses of wild grape vines. Beneath the trees occurs
a tangled growth of wild rose bushes, weeds, brush, and grapevines,
while masses of driftwood render the areas almost impenetrable.

The type is uncultivated and will remain so until the river is
effectually controlled. It is overflowed and eroded even by floods
of low stage. Protected, the type could be cleared, leveled, brought
under irrigation, and devoted to a variety of crops. The expendi-
tures and broad general development of the whole river course which
must precede the farming of this type places it in the list of non-
agricultural soils for many years.

The following table gives the results of a mechanical analysis of
the soil of this type:

Mechanical analysis of Sacramento fine sand.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine
sand.

Silt.

Clay.

24165

Soil

Per cent.
0.0

Per cent.
0.3

Percent.
2.2

Per cent.
75.6

Per cent.
15.3

Per cent.
3.1

Per cent.
3 0

SACRAMENTO FINE SANDY LOAM.

The Sacramento fine sandy loam of the Eed Bluff area typically
consists of 6 feet or more of rather smooth-textured, slightly mica-
ceous fine sandy loam, usually light brown in color. In those excep-
tional cases where the fine sandy loam material is less than 6 feet
deep, the subsoil consists of gravel beds, fine sand, or a very silty
fine sandy loam, approaching the lighter phases of the Sacramento
silt loam. In any case the typical surface soil is rarely less than 48
inches in depth and of rather uniform structure throughout. Neg-
ligible quantities of w^aterworn gravel occur in certain small areas in-
fluenced by swift water action. At all times the type is very friable,
requiring minimum attention to cultivation to secure good tilth.

54 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

This soil occupies elongated bodies bordering the Sacramento
River, having a place upon one or both banks of the stream through-
out practically its Avhole course in the area. Its contact with the
river is close, there rarely being intervening types other than River-
wash or small bodies of Sacramento fine sand. It is sometimes
marked by strips of Riverwash representing portions vigorously
reworked and redeposited by flood waters. The type is confined to the
area directly influenced by the Sacramento River.

The surface is rather uniform, except for the overflow channels.
In general the topography is comparable to that of the Sacramento
silt loam, but the areas usually occur at an elevation slightly lower
than that of the latter type. Much of the type is subject to periodic
overflow.

The Sacramento fine sandy loam is an alluvial soil, the product of
direct deposition by the Sacramento River and, Avith the possible ex-
ceptions of the Sacramento fine sand and Riverwash, the most
recently formed soil of the area. It is yet in the process of forma-
tion and alteration. The source of its material lies far Avithout the
area along the Sacramento tributaries.

A native timber growth originally covered this type, oak, Avillow,
sycamore, and cottonwood prevailing. Large areas have been cleared
in the course of development of agriculture, but there yet remains
upon the lower areas a rank jungle, consisting of the trees already
named, underbrush, and grapevines.

This soil is one of the best and most productive of the area and its
intensive development in small farms will depend entirely upon the
engineering difficulties attending })r()tection from overflow and the
supplying of water for irrigation. The range of crops to which the
type is adapted is very great. Some of the best j)eacli, apricot, and
prune orchards of the area are located upon it, these products being
grown usually without irrigation. The soil has good water-holding
capacity, but where irrigation is possible it is deemed advisable. It
is an excellent alfalfa soil and good returns are had without irrigation
in well-estal)lislu'd fields.

Maxiimim yields are obtained where irrigation is jDracticed, as it is
by several individual puni]iing j^lants ahmg the Sacramento River.
Hops do well without irrigation whenever favorably located upon
bodies not too vigorously overflowed, yet having the moisture condi-
tions of the lower levels. Grain farming is as yet the most extensive
industry upon this type, and wheat and barley continue to produce
profitably year after year without marked decreases in the yields.
The humus content of the soil is very satisfactory, and much greater
thgn in case of any of the upland soils. Beans, melons, and various
truck crops do well whenever moisture conditions are favorable.
Irrigation will not fail to make intensive, diversified agriculture sue-

SOIL SUEVEY OF THE RED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA.

55

cessful upon all the more elevated parts. It will be very difficult to
relieve flood conditions on islands and areas in the river bends. At
present clearing areas of this sort is not advisable, as erosion would
damage the surface beyond repair.

The following table gives the results of a mechanical analysis of
the soil of this type :

Mechanical analysis of Sacramento fine samly loam.

Number.

I>espription.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine
sand.

\'ery fine
sand .

Silt.

Clay

24167

Soil

Per cent.
0.0

Per cent.
0.5

Per cent.
4.1

Per cent.
35.4

Per cent.
28.0

Per cent.
17.9

Per cent.
13.5

SACRAMENTO SILT LOAM.

The Sacramento silt loam consists of a brownish-gray silt loam
of smooth texture, and slightly compact structure. It is usually
micaceous. Typically it extends to a depth of 6 feet, bands of lighter
material only occasionally intervening. The surface is often marked
by patches of sand distributed along overflow channels or across
relatively low bodies swept by flood waters. The type below 30 to
36 inches often assumes a texture closely approaching a fine sandy
loam in appearance, but still carrying large quantities of silt. The
soil is retentive of moisture. It is modified .slightly in certain sec-
tions by the addition of material from other soils, but in general
the texture and structure are uniform. Below 6 feet are found
materials of varying character but similar origin, and at some depth
it is underlain by the coarse alluvium laid down by swift water.

The type occurs as extensive elongated bodies bordering the Sac-
ramento River and forms a large part of the low-lying bottom lands.
The areas often lie next the river, there being a sharp drop of from
20 to 30 feet to the water. In other places strips of Riverwash or
other types of the Sacramento series intervene, but never types of
other series.

A terrace usually bounds the type on the outer edge of the Sacra-
mento bottoms. A very definite boundary occurs in these cases, except
where the terrace gives way to permit the entrance of lateral drain-
age and alluvial strips of foreign origin, which finally lose their
identity in the great mass of Sacramento material. There are no
great differences in elevation within the bodies of this type, but the
surface is usually marked by overflow sloughs or abandoned channels
paralleling the river in a general way. Over the greater part of the
type these depressions with sloping banks carry water during floods,
often in sufficient volume to cover the flatter portions as a sheet or
submerge all but the highest parts. It is only in the slightly lower

56 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

sections at the great bends thai the river sweeps across the areas of
this soil ^Yith a force sufficient to damage the surface by erosion.
The internal drainage of the soil is free, and when protected from
floods and irrigated moisture conditions should be satisfactory.

At the time when the first w^hite settlers occupied this section of
(he valley the areas of this type were rather heavily wooded. The
valley oak, with a vigorous undergrowth, i)red()niinated in the better
drained parts slightly removed from the river. The areas subject
to continued flooding supported a tangled growth approaching the
tropical jungle in density. Portions of the type now cleared for
agricultural use are still dotted with individual valley oaks of great
size and nmrked by strips of brush and woods along the principal
overflow channels or lateral stream ways meandering toward the
Sacramento. There are large sections, however, wdiich retain the
tangled growth of vegetation — chiefly oak, cottonwood, sj^camore,
willow, and wild grape. These are the parts never cleared, because
of flood conditions, or perhaps abandoned even after clearing, on
account of changes in the overfloAV channels. The uncleared area
still forms a considerable percentage of the total area of the type.
From present indications the cleared area Avill not soon be extended.
Without the existing vegetation much erosion would result, and it
is better to allow the land to remain as it is until the river is brought
under control.

The type owes its origin entirely to the activities of the Sacra-
mento Iviver, being the liner alluvium deposited in very quiet water
by the floods in that stream. The material of which it is composed
has been gathered from the varied rocks of the ui)per Sacramento
watershed. The thorough intermingling of particles during trans-
l)ortation gives the type its uniformity in this and (he other areas of
the Sacramento Valle3\

The agricultural development of this type occupied the attention
of the pioneer farmers of the area. It w^as slowly cleared at consid-
erable expense and became one of the important grain soils, yielding
heavy crops of wheat and barley. Such uncultivated portions as re-
luiiiu conduuc (o be used as pasture land or are the source of firewood
and fence ])0;its. The greater part of the type is still used for dry-
farmed grain and without such nuu'kt'd decreases in yields as accom-
panied the contimied cropi)ing of (he upland soils. It is one of the
best iri'ain soils of the area and ])ro(i(able yields of these crops can be
('Xi)ec(ed for many years, aUhough the na(ural adaptation of the type
indicates i(s use for other crops when it is protected from floods.
During r('ceii( years it has been found j^rofitable to grow alfalfa upon
this type withou( irrigation, three (^^(ings being usually secured, the
yield aggregating about 5 tons to the acre. Near Alfalfa the broad
area of (his (ype is largely devoted to dry-farmed alfalfa, but the

SOIL SURVEY OF THE EED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA.

57

fields would last longer and the yields would be increased by
irrigation.

The type is excellently adapted to a great variety of fruit and
truck crops and supports some profitable orchards of peaches, prunes,
apricots, and almonds, in the main without irrigation. Some of the
oldest and best-yielding orchards of these stone fruits are found upon
this type. It is well suited to sugar beets, and much attention may
be devoted to this crop at a future date when conditions for irriga-
tion and marketing the product become more favorable. Hop cul-
ture will also prove successful either by selecting the less elevated
and moister portions of the type or by supplying irrigation water.
The vineyards of wine grapes owned by the Stanford Ranch at Vina
cover a portion of this type. ^_,

A wide diversity of crops, embracing practically all the indus-
tries of northern California, with the exception of the citrus fruits,
can be successfully established upon this type, but that intensive
development of which the type is worthy must be delayed until it
is relieved of flooding during the winter and spring months. Irri-
gation will be necessary to warrant its use in small tracts. It is a
very productive soil, and under the best conditions it should sup-
port a family on 20 acres or less. Its natural value will warrant
the expense incurred in developing water. All of its surface is
capable of irrigation when protected from overflow.

The following table gives the results of a mechanical analysis of
the soil of this type :

Mechanical analysis of Sacramento silt loam.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine
sand.

Silt.

Clay.

241C0

Soil

Per cent. Per cent.
0. 0 n. 2

Per cent.
0.9

Per cent.
9.2

Per cent.
14.5

Per cent.
58.6

Per cent.
16.5

SACRAMENTO SILTY CLAY LOAM.

The soil of the Sacramento silty clay loam consists of a very smooth-
textured, dark-clrab to brown silty clay loam of compact structure.
It is somewhat stickj?^, though it seldom puddles, and has a rather
friable structure for a soil of its character. This soil is normally
free from all coarse material and usually extends to a depth of 6 feet.
In exceptional cases it is underlain below about 30 inches by a slightly
lighter colored and coarser textured loam or silt loam. It is subject
to little variation, except along its contact with other types.

The type occupies several bodies of small extent occurring in the
flood plains of the Sacramento River. Its surface is level and
marked by the shallow depressions of abandoned or present ovei*flow

58

FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

waterways characteristic of tlie series. It is usually well drained,
but subject to overflow. The areas were originally rather heavily
wooded, but are now for the most part cleared. iScattered oaks occur
through the fields, and cottonwood, willow, and grapevines form
strips of woodland along the drainage ways.

The Sacramento silty clay loam is wholly alluvial and owes its
origin to the sediments deposited by the Sacramento River under
conditions favoring the .segregation of its finest particles.

For many years it has been devoted to grain farming, and still
yields profitable returns. Small areas of dry-farmed alfalfa also
occur.

The soil is admirabl}' adapted to sugar beets and its entire extent
could be devoted to this crop with irrigation. Alfalfa, truck, hops,
and various fruits are likewise suitable crops for production with
irrigation.

The following table gives the average results of mechanical analj^ses
of the soil and subsoil of this type :

Mechanical analyses of Sacramento silti/ clay loam.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine
sand.

A'ery fine
sand.

Silt.

Clay

24101,24103

24102,24164

Soil

Subsoil

Per cent.

0.0

.1

Percent.
0.5

.8

Per cent.
0.8
1.5

Per cent.
8.1
11.1

Per rent.
13.8
10.1

Per cent.
50.9
53.1

Per cent.
25.6
10.8

RIVKRWASH.

Riverwa.sh is a nonagricultiiral type of very coarse texture, largely
composed of waterworn gravel, with coarse sand and some finer sedi-
ments in varying quantities. It is leachy and incoherent in structure.

Riverwash occupies low-lying flood-swept areas, strips or islands
along the Sacramento River, and similar small areas in the beds of
lateral streams. The principal body found outside the flood plain
of the Sacramento lies in the gravelly bed of Thomas Creek.

Riverwa.sh usually has an uneven surface and is subject to erosion
or reworking at frequent intervals. The water table lies near the
surface, and upon areas not recently disturbed cottonwood and willow
make rapid growth. As a usual thing the tj^pe presents a very
barren appearance.

This type is of course entirely alluvial in origin, most of its mate-
rial being rolled into position during floods. Similar materials un-
derlie some of the heavier alluvial types.

ROUGH STONY LAND.

As the lower slopes of the Lassen Peak Range approach the area
from the easi (lu-y give way to an elevated dissected plain of vol-

SOIL SURVEY OF THE EED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA. 59

canic origin, a part of which covers a considerable area in the north-
eastern part of the Tehama Qiiadrangie. This plain in turn breaks
uniformly by steep descents into the Tuscan series, and a strip about
one-half mile in width was included in the survey which constitutes
the Rough stony land of the Red Bluff area. Eastward from that
arbitrary boundary line, running northwest and southeast, this typQ
extends indefinitely as the variable, broken nonagricultural section of
the high plains and foothills.

Rough stonj^ land has a surface too precipitous and roclry^ for agri-
culture. Its surface is strewn with great quantities of volcanic
bowlders, marked by rock outcrop and cut by the small canyons of
drainage ways (see PI. II, fig. 2). The fine-earth material consists
of a reddish loam somewhat like the soil of the Tuscan series, and
the boundary between Rough stony land and the Tuscan soils was
established along the line at which the rougher slopes gave way to
conditions favoring agriculture, so far as topography is concerned.

A scant growth of upland oak, chaparral, and native grasses cover
the areas of Rough stony land. Grazing is the only purpose for
which it can be used.

SUMMARY.

The Red Bluff area covers about 326 square miles of the northern
extremity of the main Sacramento Valley. It consists of slightly
elevated treeless plains cut by small alluvial valleys and by the Sacra-
mento bottoms. The upland plains are sparsely settled and little
farmed.

Transportation is furnished by two lines of the Southern Pacific
Railroad and by river steamers. Markets are found for the green
fruits and vegetables in the contiguous territory of northern Cali-
fornia and Oregon. The staples enter the world markets.

Red Bluff' is the principal town, with a population of 3,530. Corn-
ing, Tehama, and Vina are other places of importance.

The climate differs little from that of the remainder of the great
Interior Valley. Red Bluff has an annual rainfall of 26.33 inches.
The summers are hot and rainless, but not oppressive. Long grow-
ing seasons occur, with little damage from frost. Prevailing winds
are from the north. The general climate is favorable to the pro-
duction of a great variety of fruits.

Agi-iculture was begun in 1852 and the area developed into an im-
portant grain-producing section. Decreased yields and lower prices
caused a shrinkage in the area so used. The dry-farmed fruit in-
dustry has been developed until it occupies much attention. Peaches
are the leading fruit. Land holdings are usually extensive, and
some ranches of several thousand acres occur. Some failures have
followed injudicious colonization.

60 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910.

The soils of the Ked Bhiff area are separated into 28 types, 2 of
Avhich are iionagricuhural. The 26 agricultural types are classified
into 9 series.

The Redding series, consisting of two types, covers extensive areas.
The soils are rather poorly adapted to dry farming. The Redding
loam is the most extensive t^'pe. These soils are confined to the area
west of the Sacramento River.

The Corning series, also of the west-side section, includes two types.
The series is poorly adapted to dry farming.

The Tehama series, including three types, is found west of the river.
These soils are dry farmed to grain to a limited extent. They possess
gi'eat possibilities for development under irrigation.

Tlie Kirkwood series is represented by a single type, the silty clay
adobe. It gives moderate yields of grain under the dry-farming
system. AVith water it will be found a useful soil for a variety of
crops.

The ISIaywood series, comprising five types, is better adapted to dry
farming than the series previously mentioned. They will be very
valuable soils whenever irrigation is supplied.

The Elder series comprises three types. These are alluvial soils and
are among the most fertile in the area.

The Tuscan soils are practically nonagricultural. Two types oc-
cur, occupying great areas on the east side of the valley. The soils
are very shallow and underlain by impenetrable beds of cemented
gravel and volcanic tuff.

The Vina series, consisting of four types, lies on the east side of the
Sacramento. Its soils are brownish in color and for the most part
rather friable. The soils are alluvial and prevailingly deep. Some
of the t3q:)es are among the best soils of the area.

The Sacramento series, with four tj^pes, occupies the alluvial bot-
toms of the Sacramento River. The soils are deep and friable and
of high ngricultural value.

Irrigation is practiced in several localities in the area, principally
on the east side of the river. The perennial streams there yield a
veiy valuable flow of water. Some pumping is done along the stream
ways and in the vicinity of Corning. The Sacramento bottoms are
subject to periodic floods, which can only be remedied by extensive
Avoi'ks of storage and conti'ol. Other soils of the area are remarkably
well drained.

No alkali is found.

In-igation development must precede intensive farming. This can
])ii fully achieved only by works of a comprehensive scope.

o

'i: ii'^ =•

mi- qk ijj EDir ml^ Hi CD§ E3i mi

[Public Resolution^ — No.- 9.]

JOINT RESOLUTION Amending public resolution numbered eight, Fifty-sixth Congress,
second session, approved February twenty-third, nineteen hundred and one, " providing
for the printing annually of the report on field operations of the Division of Soils, De-
partment of Agriculture."

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of
America in Congress assembled, That public resolution numbered eight, Fifty-
sixth Congress, second session, approved February twenty-third, nineteen hun-
dred and one, be amended by striking out all after the resolving clause and in-
serting in lieu thereof the following:

That th^re shall be printed ten thousand five hundred copies of the report on
field operations of the Division of Soils, Department of Agriculture, of which
one thousand five hundred copies shall be for the use of the Senate, three
thousand cojiies for the use of the House of Representatives, and six thousand
copies for the use of the Department of Agriculture: Provided, That in addition
to the number of copies above provided for there shall be printed, as soon as
the manuscript can be prepared, with the necessary maps and illustrations to
accompany it, a report on each area surveyed, in the form of advance sheets,
bound in paper covers, of which five hundred copies shall be for the use of each
Senator from the State, two thousand copies for the use of each Representative
for the congressional district or districts in which the survey is made, and one
thousand copies for the use of the Department of Agriculture.

Approved, March 14, 1904.

[On July 1, 1901, the Division of Soils was reorganized as the Bureau of Soils.]

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