Soil survey of the Redding area, California

■•'-v^ X^,„,*^^ Issued NovemJ

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICUL

BUREAU OF SOILS— MILTON WHITNEY,

SOIL SURVEY OF THE REDDING AREA,
CALIFORNIA.

MACY H. LAPHAM and L. C. HOLMES.

[AdTance Sheets— Field Operations ef the Bureau of Soils, 1907.]

WASHINGTON:

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.

1908.

UCLA SELVGeology Collection

[PuBLK^ 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, Department 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 hundred and one, be
amended by striking out all after the resolving clau.=!e and inserting in lieu thereof
the following:

That there shall be printed ten thou.sand 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 copies for the
use of the House of Representatives, and six thousand copies for the use of the Depart-
ment of Agi'iculture: Provided, That in addition to the number of copies above pro-
vided 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 JRepresentative 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.]

Issued November 14, 1908.

U. S. DEPARTMENT OE AGRICULTURE,

BUREAU OF SOILS— MILTON WHITNEY, Chief.

SOIL SURVEY OF THE REDDING AREA,
CALIFORNIA.

MACY H. LAPHAM and L. C. HOLMES.

[Advance Sheets— Field Operations of the Bureau of Soils, 1907.]

WASHINGTON:

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.

1908.

LETTER OE TRANSMriTAL.

U. S. Department of Agriculture,

Bureau of Soils,
WasUngton, D. C, April 2 4, 1908.
Sir: A soil survey of the Redding area, California, was instituted
in the summer of 1907 at the request of the Shasta County Board of
Trade for the purpose of determining the extent and varieties of the
soils and the possibilities of the further agricultural development of
the area. This work is a part of the extension of the soil surveys in
the Sacramento Valley called for by numerous resolutions from
boards of trade of all the representative cities of the valley, the Sac-
ramento Valley Development Association, California Water and
Forest Association, etc., which have been indorsed by Hon. George C.
Perkins and Hon. F. P. Flint. I have the honor to transmit herewith
the report and map covering these investigations and to recommend
their publication as advance sheets of the Field Operations of the
Bureau of Soils for 1907, as provided by law.
Respectfully,

Milton Whitney,

Chief of Bureau.
Hon. James Wilson,

Secretary of Agriculture.

Geol.

Lib.

S

CI

CONTENTS.

Paga
Soil Survey of the Redding Area, California. By Macy H. Lapham

and L. C. Holmes 5

Description of the area 5

Climate ^ 7

Agriculture 9

Soils 13

Redding gravelly loam 15

Redding loam 18

Rough stony land 19

Anderson gravelly loam 20

Anderson fine sandy loam 21

Bellavista sandy loam 22

Riverwash 23

Sacramento gravelly sandy loam 24

Sacramento fine sandy loam 24

Sacramento silt loam : 25

Sacramento loam 26

Irrigation 27

Summary 28

ILLUSTRATIONS.

figure.

Page
Fig. 1. Sketch map showing location of the Redding area, California 5

MAP.

Soil map. Redding sheet, California.

SOIL SURVEY OF THE REDDING AREA, CALIFORNIA.

By MACY H. LAPHAM and L. C. HOLMES.
DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA.

The Reddino^ area covers about 200 square miles, embracin_fr tlie
principal agricultural district of Shasta County, Cal. It is irregular
in outline and extends north from Cottonwood Creek, which here
forms the southern boundary of Shasta County, a distance of some
20 miles. From east
to west its greatest
breadth is slightly less
than 16 miles.

It occupies the up-
per or northern part of
the great depression
known as the Sacra-
mento Valley. This
depression, constitut-
ing the most impor-
tant agricultural re-
gion of the northern
half of the State, is
about 4,000 square
miles in extent. It is
inclosed by the Sierra
Nevada and the Lassen
Peak Ridge of the Cas-
cade Moimtains upon
the east, the Coast
Range upon the west,
and the Klamath Moun-
tains, formed by the
coalescing of these
ranges, upon the north.

The extreme northern part of this depression is cut off from the
main valley of the Sacramento River by a low, wooded ridge extending
outward from the foothills upon each side of the valle}', through
which a short distance north of the town of Red BluflP the Sacramento
passes by a narrow gorge known as Iron Can^'on. The valley proper

Fig. 1.— Sketch map showing location of the Kedding area,
California.

6 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1907.

has been eroded by the Sacramento liiver from the stream deposits of
days, sands, and gravels laid down at an earlier period in this depres-
sion. The valley within the area surveyed is from a half mile to 3 miles
in mdth. In the vicinity of the town of Anderson it attains its
maximum width and greatest agricultural importance, and it is here
known as the Anderson Valley. The Sacramento River, which
traverses the area in a southeasterly direction and flows through a wide
and generally shallow channel, often marked by riffles formed by
gravel bars, is frequently bordered by sand bars and wooded bottoms,
or by bluffs sometimes rising to nearly 100 feet in height. The
valley bottoms support a vigorous growth of valley oak or a dense
covering of cottonwood and sycamore, with an almost impenetrable
undergrowth of ''willows," brush, and vines. The adjacent valley
slopes are usually dotted with groves or individual oaks and support
during the winter and early summer a good growth of nutritious
grasses.

West and southwest of the Sacramento River and its recent valley
the survey embraces a comparatively large tract of rolling or sloping
plateaulike country, often greatly dissected by streams, and made up
of earlier stream deposits from 100 to 200 feet or more above the recent
valley floor, from which it is generally separated by well-marked
bluffs or terraces. Tliis rolling or elevated plateaulike country
extends beyond the western boundary of the area and merges in the
foothills of the Klamath Mountains. Its numerous minor stream
valleys are generally more or less forested with live and deciduous
oaks and digger pines, and are often covered with a dense growth of
chaparral consisting of manzanita, coffee berry, and ceanothus.
East from Anderson, where this region becomes important agricul-
turally, it is known as Happy Valley. The main tributary streams of
the Sacramento in this section of the area are Cottonwood and Clear
creeks, which traverse narrow valleys and maintain a small flow of
water throughout the dry season. The Clear Creek bottoms, as is the
case in other parts of the area, have been more or less disturbed by
hydraulic mining operations and the stream courses partially filled or
obstructed by debris.

The northern half of that portion of the area lying east of the Sacra-
mento River is similar in character to the Happy Valley section, but
is rougher, more deeply dissected by stream courses, and has some-
what shallower soils. It is bounded upon the north and west by a
region of shallow, rocky, residual soils of the mining district of the
Klamath Mountains and adjacent foothills. In the southern half of
tliis section these wooded rolling hills gradually give way to gently
sloping treeless plains known locall}" as the Stillwater Plains. Here
is found a shallow, gravelly soil, which, in the vicinity of the narrow
stream valleys or minor stream courses, supports some timber.

SOIL SURVEY OF THE REDDING AREA, CALIFORNIA. 7.

The northern and eastern parts of the area are drained principally
by Churn, Stillwater, and Cow creeks, which flow south. It is prin-
cipally in the narrow valleys of these streams that the farming lands
of this district are located.

By far the greater part of the agricultural population is confined to
the Anderson and Happy valleys, where in places the country is quite
thickly settled. In other parts of these districts, where the farms are
larger and farm dwellings some distance apart or where the land is un-
cleared of timber and brush and used only for grazing, the population
is rather sparse. In the rougher and more hilly districts and upon the
treeless plains of the southeastern part of the area the population is
confined to a few small clearings or cultivated farms upon the uplands
and in the minor stream valleys. The farming class is of a cosmo-
politan character, dra^\^l not only from the various parts of the United
States but from foreign countries.

Redding, the county seat of Shasta County, now has a population
of about 5,000, and is the principal town. It is a shipping center
and outfitting point for near-by mining camps, which have contributed
greatly to its development. Anderson, having a population of about
1,000, is the main fruit-shipping point and agricultural center.
Cottonwood, a smaller town near the southern boundary, is the center
of a small fruit district. Bellavista, a little town near the northeast
boundary, is the site of a lumber mill and box factory of considera-
ble size.

Transportation is furnished principally by the Portland and San
Francisco branch of the Southern Pacific Railway. The Anderson
and Bellavista Railway, connecting Anderson with Bellavista, is used
mainly for lumber and ore shipments.

The Redding area is well provided with public roads, wliich in the
more thickly settled districts are of excellent character.

Fruits and other farm products are shipped to the East, to San
Francisco and vicinity, and to Portland and other cities to the north.
The towns and mining camps of northern California and Oregon also
afford excellent markets for fruits, vegetables, hay, poultry, and
dairy products.

CLIMATE.

The climate of the Redding area is characterized by a long, warm,
dry summer season, followed by a mild, rainy ^\-inte^ season.

The normal annual precipitation at Redtling, at an elevation of 552
feet, is reported by the United States Weather Bureau as 36.11 inches.
This is somewhat in excess of 'the rainfall reported for the more south-
ern Sacramento Valley points, the precipitation, for instance, at Red
Bluff — elevation, 309 feet — at the head of the main valley, being 26.1 1
inches. Owing to slightly greater elevation and proximity to the
mountains it is probable that at Reddmg it is somewhat greater than

8

FIELD OPEEATIONS OF THE BUEEAU OF SOILS, 1907.

at Anderson and over the principal agricultural section of the area,
but no data covering the latter district could be obtained. At Shasta,
outside the limits of the survej^, 5 miles northwest of Redding, in the
foot hills, at an elevation of 1,148 feet, the precipitation is 49.90
inches.

During the summer local showers, sometimes accompanied by
thunder and lightning or hail, are of occasional occurrence. Very
little rain falls from May to October. During the winter showers and
rainy spells, sometimes continuing for two or three days, alternate with
periods of fair weather. The rains are usually gentle, but the pro-
nounced slopes carry off much that might be absorbed by the soil.
During the long dry period the native grasses dry up and the coun-
try appears somewhat barren. Much of this naturally cured grass,
however, is quite nutritious. The first fall rains start a new and
abundant growth of pasture grasses. In the more elevated parts
of the valley snow sometimes falls, but this is rare, and it never
remains on the ground for any length of time.

The normal monthly and annual temperature and precipitation,
as published in the official records of the United States Weather
Bureau for stations at Redding and Red Bluff, are given in the follow-
mg table:

Normal monthly and annual temperature and precipitation.

Redding.

Red Bluff.

Month.

. Redding.

Red Bluflf.

Month.

Temper-
ature.

Precip-
itation.

Temper-
ature.

Precip-
itation.

Temper-
ature.

Precip-
itation.

Temper-
ature.

Precip-
itation.

January

February

March

°F.
45.2
49.3
53.8
60.2
67.2
75.6
82.3

In.
7.29
4.22
4.75
3.01
2.19
.79
.09

°F.
44.9
49.0
54.5
59.3
67.0
74.4
81.8

In.
4.67
3.70
3.27
2.16
1.33
.49
.03

August

September ..

October

November . .
December...

Year. .

°F.
8i.0
74.0
64.5
54.1
47.0

In.

.09

.67

2.48

3.79

6.74

°F.
81.1
73.8
63.5
53.9
46.7

In.

.02

.67

1.36

3.10

May.

5.31

July

62.9

36.11

62.5

26.11

The normal annual temperature, as will be observed from the above
table at Redding, is 62.9° and at Red Bluff 62.5° F. At Sacra-
mento, upon the south and 160 miles distant from Redding in an
air line, it is 60° or 2.5° less than at Red Bluff. July is usually the
hottest month, the thermometer during the summer frequently
having a daily maximum of more than 100° F. At Red Bluff the
highest recorded temperature is 114° F. While the summer tem-
perature is sometimes extreme the nights are usually cool and pleas-
ant, the relative humidity low, and hot winds less frequent than to
the south in the main valley.

SOIL SURVEY OF THE REDDING AREA, CALIFORNIA.

9

The minimum temperature recorded at Red Bluff is 18° F. The
jfrosts, which are of frequent occurrence during the winter, are, how-
ever, usually not severe, and hardy vegetables remain in the ground
uninjured during the winter. The dates of first and last killing
frosts at Redding and Red Bluff as reported by the Weather Bureau
follow :

Dates of first and last killing frosts.

Redding.

Red Bluff.

Year.

Last in
spring.

First in
fall.

Last in First in
spring. fall.

1897

Mar. 30 Dec 20

1898

Mar. 27
May 1
Feb. 9
Mar. 14

Mar. 18 Dee 9

1899

Dee. 14
Dec. 3
Nov. 20
Dec. 5
Oct. 17
Nov. 18

Nov. 23

Feb. 7 Dpp \q

1900

Dec. 30

1902

1903

Mar. 9

T>fo 7

1905

May 1
Mar. 1.5

Mar. 27

Apr. 4 , Nov. 28
Mar 15 Nov 24

1906

Average

Mar. 14 Dpp ii

There is in general a well-marked wind movement, the prevailing
directions being north and southeast. Violent storms or gales are
rare.

Fogs are infrequent and are generally confined to local stream
valleys. There is an unusually high percentage of fair weather
throughout the year, the average number of clear days at Red Bluff
being given as 218, and the average number of rainy days 75.

The climate is, upon the whole, healthful, favorable to crop pro-
duction, a long groM-ing period, and to the summer curing of fruits.
Farming operations suffer comparatively little interruption from frosts
or other climatic conditions throughout the year.

AGRICULTURE.

Prior to the discovery of gold there were few wliite settlers in
northern California and agriculture had hardly been attempted. In
1844 the San Buenaventura grant, consisting of 26,632 acres, Ij^ing
along the western side of the Sacramento River and almost wholly
witliin the limits of the Redding area, had been acquired from
the Mexican Government b}^ Maj. P. B. Reading, a central figure
in the early settlement of this part of the State. This grant covered
the greater part of the most productive section of the Andei-son Val-
ley, and the first ranch house was established in this valley near the
mouth of Cottonwood Creek. As wild oats and native grasses were
abundant the earlj' agriculture consisted mainl}^ in the raising of
stock.

42007—08 2

10 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1907.

The discover}' of gold in 1849 and 1850 brought prospectors into
northern Cahfornia, and the town of Shasta was soon after founded
and became the center of the mining industry and the principal set-
tlement of this section of the State, although smaller minmg towns
soon sprang up.

The settlement of the country by prospectors created a demand
for hay, grains, fresh and dried fruits, and vegetables, which was
only supplied b}^ the limited number who refrained from the search
for gold and undertook the production, by primitive methods, of
these crops. Fresh vegetables were considered luxuries at this time,
and wild ha}^ from the Cow Creek bottoms is said to have been sold
in the mining camps for $150 per ton.

With the building of the railroad in the early seventies the new
town of Redding increased in importance and became the metropolis
of the district and Shasta was abandoned. Shipment of fruits and
farm produce to a distance was now possible and the agricultural
resources were rapidly developed. The production of green and dried
fruits, consisting of prunes, peaches, and pears, became of much
importance in the Anderson Valley. Fruit production was soon
taken up by the Happy Valley section, which came into prominence
about 1883 and 1884, and the fruit industry has been steadily devel-
oped in both places.

In the Anderson and adjacent minor stream valleys prunes are
the leading crop, followed by peaches, pears, and, to a much less
extent, by grapes and small fruits. Fig trees bear abundantly, but
figs are grown only for home use. Alfalfa is produced to a small
extent, and with proper care and irrigation should produce 5 tons
per acre. Even without irrigation three crops can be cut each season
in some sections of the bottom lands well suited to its production. It
is usually baled at a cost of about $2 per ton and generally brings
from $12 to $15 per ton baled, on the ground. The trucking industiy
is locally of considerable importance and is largely controlled by
Cliinese. Grains, consisting of wheat and barley, are grown quite
extensively, but much less than in the more southern part of the
Sacramento Valle}-^, the greater proportion of these crops being cut
green for hay. Dairying and poultry raising are carried on only to
a limited extent. The products of these industries, however, bring
good prices.

In the Happy Valley district general farming is practiced on a
small scale, the valley being essentially a fruit-producing section.
Peaches are the leading crop, followed by table grapes, strawberries,
and bramble fruits. The peaches are well colored and of particu-
larly fine flavor. Strawberries and bramble fruits yield abundantly.

The value of orchard products for Shasta County, according to the
United States Census for 1900, was $110,276, a sum which has been

SOIL SURVEY OF THE REDDING AREA, CALIFORNIA. 11

greatly increased b}" more recent development of the fruit-producing
industries. The season is in general somewhat later than that of
the Santa Clara and more southern Sacramento Valley points. The
products are shipped in both the green and dried states, in carload
lots, to the Eastern States and to Europe.

Prunes probably constitute the leading crop, the production for
the season of 1907 being estimated at 2,200 tons, or 110 carloads at
20 tons })er car. The crop usually brings from 3 to 3h cents a ])oun(i.
The French prune is the leading variety, and the harvesting begins
about September 1, at which time weather conditions are favorable,
although showers sometimes occur during the curing period. Peaches
are next in importance. The fruit is shipped both green and dried.
Most of the smaller express shipments of the green fruit go to north-
ern California and Oregon. The leading varieties are the Muir,
Crawford, Imperial, and Foster, the Muir and Crawford predom-
inating. For diying the Muir is reported to be the favorite. The
total production of dried peaches in favorable seasons is in the
neighborhood of 500 tons.

Pear growing, both for sliipment green and for drying, has been an
attractive and important industry, but o^\dng to ravages of the blight
production in this section has of late fallen off. Many of the orchards
have ceased bearing and are being replaced by other crops. This
disease, of a bacterial nature, can be checked and eradicated only by
persistent and vigorous cutting. Mr. Chris Thorsing, horticultural
commissioner of Shasta County, reports excellent success in combat-
ing the blight in his orchard, located 5 miles southeast of Anderson.'*
With the certaint}^ of a scarcity of pears, the grower who is able to
maintain clean and productive orchards of this fruit should be able to
obtain a very good profit. Many, however, prefer to replace pear
trees with prune and peach trees.

Of the truck crops produced, tomatoes are of particularly fine
quality and large size and bear abundantly.

The raising of cattle, sheep, goats, and hogs is an industry of con-
siderable importance and yields good returns, although improvement
in breeds and types and in care of the stock is to be desired. The
herds are usually grazed m the mountains during the dry summer
season.

The adaptability of certain soils to particular fruits is usually well
recognized. The prune industry is practical^ confined to the deeper
friable loams of the Sacramento and other stream bottoms. Pears
are mostly grown upon soils of a similar character, although those

o See Report of Thirty-first Fruit Growers' Convention of California, 1906. See Pear
Blight, Cause and Preventative, Reprint of Ignited States Department of Agriculture,
190G; Commercial Pear Culture, Reprint of the United States Department of Agri-
culture, 1900.

12 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1907.

grown on the shallower red soils of the Happy Valley section are less
succulent and of less vigorous growth, but are not so liable to attack
by blight. Peaches are usually planted on gravelly sloping valley
lands or on the more elevated shallow soils of the Happy Valley
district. It is believed that the influence of the shallower and some-
what less productive soils of this district tends to smaller tree growth
and lower yields, but the fruit is exceptionally fine in color, size, and
flavor.

Grain and grain hay are grown by a system of dry farming and
summer fallowing. Little attempt is now made to grow alfalfa or
other deep-rooted crops upon the shallow upland soils, and consider-
able loss has been met with in the past from planting fruit upon shallow
dry lands. Such injury has been particularly apparent in the case of
young orchards at first irrigated, but to which water was later denied,
or where attempts were made to produce orchard fruits entirely with-
out irrigation in unfavorable locations. Grapes do well upon the
deeper phases of the shallow upland soils when irrigated or even
without irrigation if intensively and thoroughly cultivated. It is
quite possible that a profitable field awaits the development of this
industry upon much of the upland part of the area now utilized only
for grazing purposes, if attended wath care in the selection of soils and
systematic and thorough cultivation.

Rotation of crops and the use of commercial fertilizers are practiced
to a limited extent, but barnyard and green manures should be more
generally used. The better and more profitable orchards are usually
well cultivated, but in many places the importance of frequent and
clean cultivation is little appreciated. Throughout the northern part
of the area, over which small unirrigated orchard and vineyard tracts
are frequently found, much of the loss from the "going back" or
dying of the trees or vines is commonly attributed to the poisonous
effects of fumes from the smelters of the mining district. The,
evidence, however, seems to point rather to unfortunate selection of
soils and lack of careful cultivation as the real causes of the trouble,
although much injury to the native vegetation from smelter fumes
has taken place to the northwest of the area.

During the fruit-harvesting season labor is very badly needed and
the prices paid are correspondingly high. The work of packing the
fruit is done largely by women and children. A large part of the
labor of harvesting and handling the fruit in the orchards is generally
performed by Indians, who are provided with camping places in or
adjacent to the orchards.

Little effort is being made to bring in new settlers or to place
farming lands upon the market. Land can be purchased from a
few dollars to $100 or more an acre, depending upon its condition of
improvement and adaptability to the production of fruit. Ver}^ little

SOIL SUEVEY OF THE REDDING AREA, CALIFORNIA, 13

good orchard land is now for sale, and when offered high prices are
asked. Unimproved land suitable for alfalfa, truck crops, or orchard
crops can be secured at moderate prices. In the Happy Valley dis-
trict wooded land well adapted to the production of peaches, grapes,
or other products of the section can be secured at a cost of $10 to
$15 or more an acre. While the expense of clearing off the brush and
timber is high, store wood commands good prices and will in many
cases repay the cost of clearing.

In the Happy Valley district the size of the farms and orchards is
generally small, often consisting of 10, 20, or 40 acres, while in the
Anderson Valley and other sections some of the orchard lands are
held in larger tracts of 200 acres or more. The average size of farms
in Shasta County, according to the United States census for 1900,
was 284.3 acres, 77.1 per cent of wliich were operated by the owners.

In order to increase profits from fruit production, clean and fre-
quent cultivation is necessary so as to conserve soil moisture during
the long diy season. Upon the shallower soils of the uplands this
is of particular importance, and it is believed some of the failures
in the growing of vines and trees might have been avoided had a
more thorough sj'stem of tillage been followed. The control of dis-
eases and insect pests by pruning and spraying is also necessary in
successful fruit production.

SOILS.

The soils of the Redding area fall into three natural divisions, viz,
the soils of the uplands, of the valley slopes, and of the stream bot-
toms. These natural divisions are based upon phj^siographic, geo-
logic, and agricultural differences, although sharp lines of demarca-
tion do not always exist.

As previously stated, the upland section of the area is elevated
somewhat above the Sacramento and minor stream valleys. It is
rolling or sloping in character and is dissected by narrow, flat-
bottomed gulches and valleys. Except in the vicinity of the Still-
water Plains, the uplands are generally wooded or covered with
brush. The section is naturalh' well drained and somewhat subject
to erosions, with consequent loss of organic matter and of the finer
mineral materials. The soils, however, are rather llea^y in texture
and are underlain by dense, compact subsoils containing a large
percentage of plastic, tenacious clay and more or less indurated
hardpan, which, together with the usual protective covering and the
admixture of roots, native grasses, and leaves from forest vegeta-
tion, resist the wearing action of water coursing down the slopes.

The soils of the uplands are of deep-red color, gravelly, and in cer-
tain sections carry considerable quantities of cobbles and small
bowlders. The gravels and cobbles are largely igneous and meta-
morphic material and are usually well rounded or flattened.

14 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1907.

The soils of this part of the area are derived mainly from the Red
Bluff formation. This formation has a maximimi thickness of more
than 200 feet and consists of clays, sands, gravels, and cobbles, repre-
senting alluvial material deposited over the valley by the Sacramento
and its tributary streams in former times, subsequent uplift having
elevatetl the valley and caused the carving of the more recent stream
valleys. In the vicinity of the Cow Creek Valley small areas of the
ui)land soils are derived largely from volcanic tuff, ranging in char-
acter from light gray and often pumiceous dust and finely abraded
material to andesitic bowlders, the finer material predominating
upon the western side of the valley. '^

Considerable modification in the soil material derived from the
Red Bluff formation has recently taken place by the weathering of
the gravels, which are frequently so well decomposed as to be readily
broken up with a light blow or crushed with the fingers. In parts
of the upland plains exposed to the winds much fine material has
been blown away, with consequent concentration of the coarser soil
particles and gravels at the surface.

The formation of the hardpan, of general occurrence in this group
of soils, has taken place subsequently to the original deposition of
the soil material. It is due to concentration of the finer clay parti-
cles in the subsoils by percolating waters and to the partial cement-
ing of this claylike material by mineral salts, largely silicates and
other salts of iron.

This hardpan is red to yellowish-gray in color, from a few inches
to several feet in thickness, and is usually found at a depth of 18
inches to 5 feet, although it may occur at greater depths or, upon
the other hand, even outcrop at the surface. It may consist entirely
of fine material or of a mass of gravels and cobbles inclosed and held
together by the finer material.

Three types of soil occur in the uplands — the Redding gravelly
loam, the Redding loam, and Rough stony land. These soil types
merge gradually into one another and into other adjacent types.
The separating of these soils was therefore more or less arbitrary.
The soil types differ widely in adaptation to crops and in agricul-
tural value, depending upon adaptability to and the facilities for
irrigation, and the occurrence, character, and position of the hardpan.

The soils of the valley slopes consist of three types — two of the
Anderson series and one local type, the Bellavista sandy loam.
They usually are found adjacent to the soils of the uplands, occupy-
ing the higher valley slopes, flat-bottomed gulches, and the valleys of
intermittent streams. They are usually gray to reddish gray in color,

oFor further description ot this formation and other geologic features, see Redding
Folio, Geologic Atlas of the United States, published by the U. S. Geological Survey.

SOIL SURVEY OF THE REDDING AREA, CALIFORNIA.

15

well drained, sometimes sKghtly gullied, usually wooded or covered
mth brush, gravelly, and generally free from hardpan.

The soils of tliis group are formed by direct wash from the adja-
cent upland slopes and by deposition, in the narrow stream valleys,
of material carried down by flood waters, the material having been
transported for only short distances. While often of a pervious and
leachy character they are usually fairly well adapted to agriculture.

Five types of the stream-bottom soils were encountered, four being
soils of the Sacramento series, the remaining one a nonagricultural
type, Riverwash. These soils occupy the lower bottoms of the Sac-
ramento and minor stream valleys, varying in texture from coarse
sands and gravels to rather compact silt loams, and in color from
Ught gray to dark brown. They are generally well drained but sub-
ject to overflow, which in case of some of the types occurs annually.
The}" may be barren of vegetation in spots, but are generally wooded,
are often gravelly but free from hardpan.

The soils of this group consist of recent stream deposits, occurring
along present or recent stream flood plains, made up of a variety of
mineral constituents wliich have been transported considerable dis-
tances. The soil bodies are often small in size, having an elongated
outhne extending in the direction of stream channels, and are some-
times subject to considerable modification by the erosive efl'ects of
floods or the further deposition of material by flood waters. In agri-
cultural importance they range from relatively worthless to the most
important and valuable soils of the area.

The following table gives the names and areas of the several soil
types shown on the accompanying maj):

Areas of different soils.

Soil.

Acres.

Per
cent.

Soil.

Acres.

Per
cent.

Redding gravelly .loam

Anderson gravelly loam

57,216
14,528
14,272

8,384
7,680
7,360

44.7
11.4 ,
11.1 1
i

6.5 i

6.0

5.7

Sacramento loam

4,480
4,480

3.5

Riverwash

3.5

2.8

Sacramento gravelly sandy

Bella vista sandy loam 3, 328

2. G
•1 •)

Total

Rough stonv land

128,000

REDDINO GRAVELLY LO.\.M.

The Redding gravelly loam varies greatly in texture, structure,
depth, and in agricultural importance. T^^ically it consists of a
heavy sticky loam of fine silty texture, red to dark red in color,
extending to a depth of 6 to 15 inches, and carr^-ing small to rela-
tively large quantities of subangular, rounded, or flattened cobbles,

16 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1907.

pebbles, or fine gravelly material. In limited areas the accumula-
tion of cobbles and gravel in the surface is sometimes excessive, due
to the removal of the fine earth by wind action or by erosion.

Although the soil is of a heavy tenacious character, the finer clay
material is generally flocculated; which condition, together with the
large quantity of gravel, renders the soil friable, readily cultivated,
and capable of maintaining an excellent tilth.

A compact and usually adobelike heavy loam of deep-red color,
carrjang a moderate quantity of gravel, usually underlies the soil at
a depth of 6 to 15 inches or less. Beneath this, at a depth of 18
inches to 5 feet, a partially indurated hardpan, of deep-red color
sometimes mottled with patches of light-gray clay, is found, although
in some places the heavy loam may extend to a depth of 6 feet.
The hardpan carries a large quantity of rounded gravel and cob-
bles, sometimes becoming very dense and hard and resembling con-
glomerate rock. Outcrops of tliis material occur along eroded sur-
faces or as ledges bordering ravines and gulches carved by intermit-
tent streams. Upon the other hand, it often consists entirely of
partially indurated or cemented fine claylike material of a soft
nature, quite readily penetrated by roots, and frequently easily
broken up by the fingers.

The Redding gravelly loam, which is the prevailing soil of the
uplands and the most extensive tjY>e of the survey, occurs as large
bodies occupying much of the northern and western parts of the
area, although smaller and irregular bodies are found in various other
parts of the uplands. It is of considerable extent upon the higher
ancient valley plains and lower foothills bordering the more recent
valley of the Sacramento River. The surface is usually gently roll-
ing or gently sloping, often minutely dissected by deep narrow
ravines and gulches in wliich flow intermittent streams. It usually
supports a moderately heavy growth of scrub pine, oak, and cha-
parral brush of the mountains and foothills, mainly ceanothus and
manzanita.

The soil is generally well drained, except in local depressions
where percolation is liindered by underlying hardpan. The cost of
clearing is sometimes liigh, but is often nearly repaid by the value of
the wood removed.

The Redding gravelly loam is derived from early Pleistocene allu-
vial material deposited in the older Sacramento Valley to a great
depth. Owing to its friable structure and heavy subsoil, the Redding
gravelly loam has great water-holding capacity. This condition is
important and should be augmented by frequent cultivation and the
maintenance of a loose surface-soil mulch. Upon the other hand,
in some places presence of more or less impervious hardpan strata
near the surface arrests percolation of rainfall and decreases the
water-holding capacity of the soil. Where the hardpan is very com-

SOIL SURVEY OF THE EEDDING AEEA, CALIFORNIA. 17

pact roots do not penetrate deeply, rendering the trees and plants
particularly sensitive to drought if not irrigated.

The agricultural value of this soil type and its adaptation to crops
is thus in a great tlegree dependent upon the occurrence and position
of the hardpan. The soil is not adapted to the culture of prunes or
other deep-rooted trees. If the hardpan is nearer the surface than
4 or 5 feet the planting of peaches or vines is attended with consider-
able risk, unless the layer is soft enough to permit the roots to pene-
trate it or unless irrigation is practiced. With adequate facilities
for irrigation the deeper phases of the soil type are among the most
valuable soils for peach culture in the Redding area. Grapes could
undoubtedly be produced profitably in such areas in commercial
quantities without irrigation by proper care and frequent cultiva-
tion during the dry season. Strawberries and bramble fruits yield
abundantly, and if irrigated the shallower phases of this soil not
adapted to tree fruits could be utilized for these small fruits.

Where orchards are to be set out the shattering of the underlying
impenetrable hardpan by the use of moderate charges of explosives
is sometimes resorted to in other districts with beneficial results.
For this purpose Hilgard" recommends the use of from one-half to
three-fourths pound of No. 2 dynamite placed from 3 to 5 feet below
the surface. Enough should be used thoroughly to break up the
formation, otherwise in particularly dense strata of considerable
thickness the explosion may merely form potholes in which perco-
lating soil waters may collect, and give rise to water-logging and
unsanitary conditions about the roots.

The careful examination of the soil with reference to hardpan and
adaptability for irrigation is obviously of great importance for fruit
growing in the uplands. It may be said, however, that with proper
irrigation and cultural methods the fruit industry in the Happy
Valley section and in other upland districts where the deeper soils
are found is a reasonably safe and profitable investment.

A fine silty phase of this soil type occurs in which surface gravel
is absent, the color of the soil ranging from a light yellowish gray to
dark brown. This material is shallow and underlain by the typical
soil or by hardpan. The surface is frequently puddled and in the
dry season baked and checked. Such soil bodies occur upon the ele-
vated upland plains in small potholes or local drainage depressions,
usually a few rods in diameter and rarely covering an acre in extent.
In such local depressions percolation of rain or drainage waters is
usually arrested by the underlying hardpan, leading to the forma-
tion of pools during the rainy season followed by a baking of the soil
when dry.

aSee "Soils" by E. W. Hilgard, p. 181.

18

FIELD OPEEATIONS OF THE BUEEAU OF SOILS, 1907.

The fine silty material in these depressions is formed by the ac-
cumulation of wash from the higher slopes. This phase of the Red-
ding gravelly loam is nearly or entireh^ barren, and is naturally
unproductive owing to poor drainage and unfavorable soil structure.
To make these depressions productive they must be drained and
the compact puddled condition of the soil alleviated by the addition
of large quantities of barnyard manure or other coarse organic
matter. In cases where the construction of drains is difficult or
impossible, blasting the underlying hardpan strata, as in setting
fruit trees, would probably promote percolation of the surface waters
and lead to a permanent improvement of the soil.

The results of mechanical analyses of fine-earth samples of the soil
and subsoil are given in the following table:

Mechanical analyses of Redding gravelly loam.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine Very fine q;,<.
sand. sand. ^'"•

Clay.

17851

Soil

Per cent.
4.9

4.9

Per cent.
8.3
8.1

Per cent.
4.8

5.1

Per cent.
11.0
14.6

Per cent.
13.2
12.0

Per cent. Per cent.
33. 9 24. 2

17852

Subsoil

32.6 22.0

REDDING LO.\M.

The Redding loam is quite similar in texture and color to the Red-
ding gravelly loam, difl'ering mainly in depth to hardpan and in agri-
cultural importance. It consists typically of 8 inches to 12 inches
of light-red or reddish-gray loam, usually of fine and somewhat silty
texture, l)ut sometimes of light sandy character. It is sticky when
wet, somewhat compact in structure, and carries a moderate quantity
of small rounded pebbles.

The surface soil is underlain by a heavy, compact, tenacious dark-
red clay loam, with little gravel, extending to a depth of 10 inches
to 3 feet. In eroded districts the subsoil may appear very close to
the surface.

The subsoil is underlain by a clay or sand}^ clay hardpan, red or
yellowish gray in color, mottled with reddish yellow, or by a heavy
dark-red or yellow clay containing hardpan layers. The hardpan
may or may not contain cobbles or gravel, and is similar to that of the
Redding gravelly loam except that it is generally more dense and im-
pervious and usually nearer the surface, sometimes outcropping
where the surface soil has been eroded.

The Redding loam occurs in a few moderately extensive bodies in
the southeastern .part of the area, and merges almost imperceptibly
into the adjacent bodies of the Redding gravelly loam or is separated
from the lower lying soils of the valley slopes and the stream bottoms
by bluff or terrace lines. The areas of this type occupy slightly slop-

SOIL SURVEY OF THE REDDING AREA, CALIFORNIA.

19

ing, treeless sections of the upland plain. The surface is frequently
marked by the presence of hog wallows and small drainage depres-
sions occupied by pools of water or by areas of checked and puddled
soils.

Redding loam is a sedimentary soil derived from ancient alluvium,
once filling the greater part of theSacramento Valley to a great depth.

Owing to the occurrence of hardpan, the shallow nature of the soil,
and to its position in unirrigated sections of the area, this soil type
is of secondary agricultural importance, being usually devoted to
grazing or to dry farming to wheat. In a few favorably located
districts, where the deeper soil is found, small fruits and tree fruits
could be profitably grown under irrigation, while table and wine
grapes could probably be grown in limited areas by thorough cultiva-
tion.

Numerous attempts at fruit culture upon the shallow phase of the
Redding loam without irrigation have resulted in failure, led to dis-
couragement, and given an erroneous impression of the Redding
area for fruit production.

The average results of mechanical analyses of the fine earth of the
soil and subsoil of the Redding loam are given in the following table:

Mechanical arialyses of Reddiyig loam.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine
satid.

Silt.

Cldy.

17847,17849

17848,17850

Soil

Subsoil

Per cent. Per cent.
4. 4 11. 4
3. 9 9. 2

Per cent.
5.5
5.5

Per cent.
13.1
12.5

Per cent.
14.4
16.7

Per cent.
34.8
32.9

Per cent.
16.6
19.1

ROUGH STONY L.\ND.

Rough stony land of the Redding area in the character of the soil
material is similar to the bodies of the Redding gravelly loam and
the Redding loam into which it merges.

It consists of a few inches to 18 inches or more of a light-red,
gray, or yellowish-red to deep-red loam or clay loam carrying a rela-
tively large quantity of waterworn cobbles, small bowlders, and
gravel. It is underlain by yellow or red to gray clays, indurated
clay hardpan frequently carrying an excessive quantity of gravel
and cobbles or by beds of volcanic ash and breccias.

It occurs in the northern and northeastern parts of the area as
irregular or narrow elongated bodies bordering stream valleys. It
is usually separated from the soils of the valley slopes and the stream
bottoms by high bluffs and rough, stony slopes. It occupies the
higher, hilly, and more deeply dissected sections of the uplands and
is generally wooded or covered with more or less brush, although
barren in some places.

20 FIELD OPEEATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1907.

The Rough stony land is derived from the ancient alluvial deposits
of the older valley and from the underlying volcanic muds and
breccias.

Owing to the shallow nature of the soil, the presence of hardpan,
and the rough, unirrigable, and stony character of the country, it is
devoted only to grazing and is generally unadapted to fruits or farm
crops.

ANDERSON GRAVELLY LOAM.

The Anderson gravelly loam typically consists of a moderately
heavy, sticky loam of light-red color, extending to a depth of 8 to
12 inches and carrying a moderate quantity of small flattened or
rounded pebbles, or cobbles, and considerable fine subangular or
rounded gravel. It is somewhat compact in structure but friable
when cultivated. It is sometimes, however, very gravelly and of
lighter color, and in such cases usually grades into the Sacramento
gravelly sandy loam. In other locations it is of a fine, silty, compact
character, of deeper red color, and grades into the adjacent more
elevated soils of the dissected plains and lower foothills.

It is sometimes underlain by rounded cobbles and stream gravels
or by heavy, compact clay loam partially indurated and cemented
by lime and iron salts, and forming a relatively soft hardpan. Usu-
ally, however, it extends to the depth of 6 feet or more, the lower
portion of the section being somewhat finer in texture, of more
compact structure, and of a deeper red color. Occasionally it is
underlain by a compact, deep-red clay loam. The subsoil is often
relatively free from gravel and occasional layers or lenses of par-
tially indurated clay or sandy clay material form a soft hardpan
quite readily penetrable by roots.

This type occurs in numerous bodies of irregular or elongated out-
line of moderate size occupying the more elevated valley plains
adjacent to the upland soils, or the narrow valleys of small inter-
mittent streams dissecting the uplands. The more extensive and
typical bodies occur in the vicinity of Anderson and in the north-
western part of the area extending southward from Redding to
Clear Creek. Other bodies of more gravelly character and of con-
siderable extent are found in the valley of Stillwater Creek north of
Loomis Corners.

The surface is nearly level or gently sloping, with minor irregu-
larities. It is usually well drained and is sometimes scored by
erosion or cut by intermittent stream channels.

The Anderson gravelly loam usually supports a more or less vigor-
ous growth of timber and chaparral brush. Except where shal-
low or of porous, leachy character it is fairly well adapted to irriga-
tion and to crop production.

SOIL SURVEY OF THE REDDING AREA, CALIFORNIA.

21

' The Anderson gravelly loam is derived mainly from the adjacent
and more elevated formation of the early stream gravels and sedi-
ments giving rise to the soils of the uplands. It is of rather recent
alluvial origin, the material forming it having been transported only
short distances and distributed by the flood waters of intermittent
streams. Under irrigation it is well adapted to peaches and grapes,
and if well cultivated in favorable locations produces fair yields of
these crops without irrigation. Alfalfa is also grown to a very
limited extent on some of the irrigated parts of the type. Much of
this soil is, however, utilized only for grazing.

With thorough cultivation, supplemented when practicable by
irrigation from private reservoirs or by the pumping of ground
water, considerable areas of the less gravelly and porous bodies of
this soil type, now used only for grazing, can eventually be rendered
productive and brought under cultivation.

The results of mechanical analyses of fine-earth samples of the soil
and subsoil are given in the following table:

Mechanical analyses of Anderson gravelly loam.

I
Number. i Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium Fine
sand. sand.

Very
fine sand.

Silt.

Clay.

17224

Soil

Per cent.
.5.4

Per cent.
10.5
11.0

Per cent. Per cent.
6. 4 21. 9
8. 9 20. 4

Per cent.
8.1
6.4

Per cent.

37.5
37.6

Per cent.
9.9

17225.

Subsoil . . .S. 7

11.7

ANDERSON FINE SANDY LOAM.

The Anderson fine sandy loam consists typically of a fine sandy
loam of light-red to grayish-red color, generally carrying a moderate
amount of rather small subangular or waterworn gravel, and extend-
ing to a depth of 3 to 6 or more feet. It is somewhat porous and
friable and easily maintained in a good condition of tilth. "When less
than 6 feet in depth it is generally underlain by river sands and gravels,
although occasionally by hardpans, clays, or volcanic tuff.

This soil type is not extensive and occurs mainly as narrow, elon-
gated bodies occupying the bottoms and slopes of the narrow valleys
of Churn and Stillwater creeks, often grading quite imperceptibly into
the adjacent soil types.

The surface is slightly sloping but often scored or pitted by erosion,
or marked by minor surface irregularities or low terrace lines. It
usually supports a vigorous growth of timber and brush. Parts of the
lower lymg bodies are sometimes subject to overflow during flood
periods.

The soil consists largely of the reworked material derived from the
adjacent red soils of the uplands, transported and depositeil by the
flood waters of the minor streams along which it occurs.

22

FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1907.

The i^Lnderson fine sandj loam where not subject to overflow is well
dramed, moderately retentive of moisture under cultivation, and well
adapted to the production, with or without irrigation, of grapes,
peaches, pears, small fruits, and alfalfa, although irrigation is advised
where practicable. It is, when cleared, usually devoted to dry
farming to grain, or to peaches, prunes, pears, and grapes. The yield
is generally somewhat less than upon the soils of the Sacramento
series, but the fruits produced are of excellent quality.

A considerable part of this type is still uncleared of timber and
brush and could be brought under profitable cultivation.

The results of mechanical analyses of fine-earth samples of the soil
and subsoil of the Anderson fine sandy loam are given in the following

table :

Mechanical analyses of Anderson fine sandy loam.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine
sand.

Silt.

Clay.

17855

Soil

Per cent.
0.9
1.1

Per cent.
4.0
6.5

Per cent.
5.2
8.4

Per cent.
29.8
33.6

Per cent.
19.0
14.6

Per cent.
31.6

26.4

Per cent.
10.2

17856

Subsoil

9.9

BELLAVISTA SANDY LOAM.

The Bellavista sandy loam is subject to wide variation in texture,
depth, and character of underlying material. Typically it consists
of a light ash-gray sandy loam of rather fine texture and of some-
what sticky character, extending to a depth of 1 to 3 feet, and under-
lain by a compact, sandy clay of adobelike structure. In the vicinity
of adjacent hill slopes it is generally gravelly, the gravel consisting of
small subangular particles to large rounded cobbles, and the soil is
of a slightly coarser and lighter character, occasionally extending to
the depth of 6 feet or more.

Where it merges into the Redding gravelly loam and the Anderson
gravelly loam it has a reddish color and its structure is more compact
and its texture is finer and heavier. In the valley bottoms it is often
fine and somewhat silty in texture, and compact in structure, while
upon the more elevated slopes the sandy material is rather coarse and
the soil sometimes extends to the depth of 6 feet or more. The more
elevated bodies are frequently underlain by a coarse, partially indu-
rated sandy clay or clay hardpan, or by beds of volcanic ash and tuff.
The soil is generally friable under cultivation, although numerous,
small, puddled depressions of heavy compact structure and fine tex-
ture occur.

The Bellavista sandy loam is not extensive, occurring only in the
northeastern part of the area in the depression of the Cow Creek
Valley, as irregular bodies adjoining outcrops of volcanic ash and

SOIL SURVEY OF THE REDDING AREA, CALIFORNIA.

23

tuff. It occupies nearly level or gently sloping narrow valley plains
or lower rolling hill slopes. It is generally w^ell drained and often
covered with a heavy growth of oaks or chaparral. The more ele-
vated bodies are sometimes broken by outcrops of the underlying
material or marked by the presence of cobbles and bowlders and are
shallow and unproductive.

The Bellavista sandy loam owes its formation to the erosion of the
adjacent beds of volcanic ash and tuff and the distribution bv inter-
mittent streams of this material mingled with gravels and other soil
material derived from the more elevated soils of the uplands.

The lower bodies are generally devoted' to grazing or to dry farming
to grain, although such areas could probably be planted to alfalfa or to
other irrigated crops or fruits. The latter are produced only to a
limited extent upon this soil type. The more elevated areas are
usually suited for and devoted only to grazing.

The results of mechanical analyses of fine-earth samples of the
soil and subsoil are shown in the follovring table:

Mechanical analyses of Bellavista sandy loam.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse Medium
sand. I sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine
sand.

Silt.

Clay.

17853

Soil

Per cent.
0.0
4.0

Per cent.
6.0
12.1

Per cent.

20.1

6.6

Per cent.
44.0
17.0

Per cent.

4.8
13.0

Per cent.
15.0
31.2

Per cent.
7.9
1.5.8

17854.

Subsoil

RIVERW.\SH.

Riverwash of the Redding area varies greatly in character of mate-
rial, consisting of coarse to fine river sands, waterworn gravels, and
cobbles, and- extending to the depth of 6 feet or more. Generally
these materials are more or less intermingled, and either the sandy
or gravelly material may predommate or may be nearly lackmg in
local areas.

It is an inextensive type, occurring near or occupying present or
abandoned stream channels of the Sacramento River and its tribu-
tary creeks, the more extensive bodies lying in the vicinity of and
southeast from Redding. The lower lying bodies of finer texture
occurring adjacent to the Sacramento River frequently support a
moderately heavy or dense growth of the brush and timber usually
found in the stream bottoms. The surface is frequently more or
less scored by erosion and the type is generally subject to overflow
during flood periods.

It is of recent alluvial origin, and, owing to its position and its
.loose, leachy, or stony character, is unsuited to crop production,
being of no agricultural value except for grazing.

24

FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1907.

SACRAMENTO GKAVELLY SANDY LOAM.

The Sacramento gravelly sandy loam varies considerably in the
quantity and character of its gravel content. From 10 to 30 inches
it consists of a light-brown or sometimes slightly reddish-brown,
light sandy loam or slightly sticky sandy loam. Subangular or
rounded particles of fine gravel and sometimes large quantities of
flattened or waterworn pebbles or cobbles of many varieties of rocks,
those of volcanic and metamorphic origin predominating, are found
mingled with the finer materials.

It is underlain by beds of waterworn cobbles and gravels inter-
mingled with sands and finer sediments. Both soil and subsoil have
an open, porous structure and leachy character.

This soil is in general of somewhat lighter color and heavier tex-
ture than the Sacramento gravelly sandy loam of the Colusa area."

It occurs as inextensive and irregular bodies adjacent to the Sac-
ramento River, as long, narrow strips in the bottoms of the smaller
valleys, and in the numerous gulches and ravines traversing the higher
valley plains and lower foothills, extending sometimes for a distance
of several miles and bemg cut by meandering courses of intermittent
streams. The most extensive bod}? , which is, however, intermingled
somewhat with the heavier soil material of the Anderson gravelly
loam, and is not entirely typical of the Sacramento gravelly sandy
loam, occupies a large part of the Clear Creek Valley. The surface
is often uneven and eroded by flood waters and frequently supports
a moderately heavy growth of small timber and brush. It is of
recent alluvial origin, being a deposit from the flood waters of streams.

When well irrigated, fair yields of peaches or other fruits and
alfalfa may be obtained on the heavier phases of the soil. It is,
however, of slight agricultural importance, the heavier and more
productive bodies being marked by very gravelly, unproductive
spots, and it is generally utilized for grazing.

The results of a mechanical analysis of a fine-earth sample of the
soil is oriven in the followinof table:

Mechanical

analysis

of Sacramento gravelly sandy loam

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine
sand.

Silt.

Clay.

17859

Soil

Per cent.
8.0

Per cent.
15.0

Per cent.
9.0

Percent.
21.4

Per cent.
15.4

Per cent.
23.9

Per cent.

7.5

SACRAMENTO FINE SANDY LO.\M.

The Sacramento fine sandy loam consists typically of a loose, uni-
form light gray, micaceous fine sandy loam, usually but not always

« See Soil Survey of the Colusa Area, California. Field Operations, Bureau of.
Soils, 1907.

SOIL SURVEY OF THE REDDING AREA, CALIFORNIA.

25

extending to a depth of 6 feet or more. When less than 6 feet in
depth it is underlain by river sands and gravels. In some places it
becomes somewhat darker in color, resembling the Sacramento silt
loam, and the gradual merging of these two soil types renders indefi-
nite the exact boundaries between them. The soil is frequently grav-
elly, the gravel consisting of either waterworn pebbles or cobbles.
Some bodies found along the Sacramento River or its overflow chan-
nels are coarse in texture and csirry considerable gravel.

The subsoil consists of gravels, rounded or flattened by stream
activity, sometimes intermingled ^vith. coarse to fine sand. In places
where erosion has been heavy this subsoil outcrops at the surface in
streaks, and is worthless except for grazing.

The Sacramento fine sandy loam appears only as small irregular or
narrow elongated bodies lying near the stream channels of the Sac-
ramento River and a few of its tributaries, and merges into the Sac-
ramento silt loam or other adjacent soil types. In extent and in the
agriculture of the area it is one of the less important types. It fre-
quently supports a considerable timber growth and is often scored by
erosion and subject to overflow. It is of recent alluvial origin, the
material being transported for considerable distances and deposited
by the shifting of streams in time of floods.

The loose, porous nature of tliis soil allows good drainage where not
subject to overflow. The same characteristics render it easy to main-
tain in good tilth. It does not retain very much moisture, antl fre-
quent cultivation during the dr}" season is of great importance in the
successful growing of fruits. Where irrigation is adequate the more
elevated bodies of finer texture are well adapted to alfalfa, or to
peaches, prunes, or vegetables. Tliis soil is generally used for pas-
ture, although fruits and alfalfa are growTi to a limited extent.

The results of mechanical analyses of the fine earth of the soil and
subsoil of the Sacramento fine sandv loam are given in the folloANing
table:

Mechanical analyses of Sacraniento fine sandy loam.

Number.

Description.

Fine 1 Coarse
gravel. sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine Very fine
sand. sand.

1

Silt.

Clay.

17152

Soil

Per cent.

0.0

.0

Per cent.
0.9
.3

Per cent.
3.9
2.2

Per cent.
52.3
41.4

Per cent.
12.9
12.1

Per cent
24 6
37.9

Per cent.
6.0

17153

Subsoil

61.7

SACR.VMENTO SILT LOAM.

The Sacramento silt loam varies in color from a light or somewhat
yellomsh-brown to dark-broAMi or nearly drab. It consists typically
to 6 feet or more of a friable, moderately porous micaceous loam to
silt loam, often gravelly, the gravel consisting of small flattened or
well-rounded pebbles.

26

FIELD OPERATIONS or THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1907.

It is of moderate extent, and in the southern half of the area is the
prevaihng type of the stream bottoms. The soil bodies are usually
elongated in outline and extend parallel to the courses of the Sacra-
mento River and its tributaries. It supports a moderately heavy
native growth of oaks, or in the river bottoms the typical "jungle"
growth of Cottonwood and sycamore trees, vnth. a dense undergrowth
of bushes and vines. It is generally well drained, although occa-
sionally subject to overflow by floods. The surface is usually level
and well adapted to irrigation, but is sometimes marked by slight
unevemiess due to erosion by flood waters.

The Sacramento silt loam, Hke the other soils of the Sacramento
series, is of allu\aal origin, the soil material having been transported
and deposited by stream flood waters.

It is friable under cultivation and is easily maintained in good tilth,
and in such condition has well-marked moisture-retaining proper-
ties. Owing to its deep friable nature and productive character, it is
well adapted to the growing of prunes, peaches, pears, grapes, alfalfa,
and vegetables, the two last-mentioned crops being more successfully
grown upon the lower lying and more moist bodies, or where the soil
is irrigated.

Prunes, peaches, and pears are the leading crops grown upon the
Sacramento silt loam, the more productive orchards being in a liigh
state of cultivation.

This soil has played a very important part in the development of
the fruit industry in the Anderson A^ alley and is the leading prune
soil of the area.

The results of mechanical analyses of fine-earth samples of the soil
and subsoil are given below:

Mechanical analyses of Sacramento silt loam.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse [ Medium
sand. sand.

Fine , Very fine
sand. ] sand.

Silt.

Clay.

171.iO

Soil

Per cent.
0.1
.0

Per cent.
1.2

Per cent.
3.0

Per cent. Per cent.

25. 4 11. 8

26. 3 12. 8

Per cent.
47.9
47.5

Per cent.
10.3

17151

Subsoil

.7

2.9

9.2

SACRAMENTO LOAM.

The Sacramento loam is typically a light brown to drab, moderately
sticky loam extencUng to a depth of 6 feet or more. In its native
condition it is somewhat compact in structure and bakes slightly
during the dry season, but under irrigation it is friable and capable
of maintaining a good tilth. It is not extensively developed in the
Redding area, being found only as a few small irregular bodies, the
largest of which occurs near the center of the area.

SOIL SUEVEY OF THE EEDDING AREA, CALIFORNIA,

27

The surface is nearly level or gently sloping, and the soil is generally
well drained, except in the case of some of the smaller bodies subject
to occasional overflow, wliich frequently support a heavy growth of
timber and brush.

In origin and in mode of formation it is similar to the other soils
of the Sacramento series.

It is well adapted to prunes, pears, and under irrigation to alfalfa,
sugar beets, and truck crops. It is principally devoted to grazing
and dry farming to grain and is well suited to the culture of irrigated
crops. It is the most promising soil type of this area for the pro-
duction of alfalfa and sugar beets.

The following table gives the results of mechanical analyses of the
soil and subsoil of the Sacramento loam :

Mechanical analyses of Sacramento loam.

Number.

Description.

Fine
gravel.

Coarse
sand.

Medium
sand.

Fine
sand.

Very fine
sand.

Silt.

Clay.

17864

Soil

Per cent.
0. 1

Per cent.
n. 9

Per cent.
2.1
1 8

Per cent.
19.2
22.1

Per cent.
21.7
30.2

Per cent.
42.2
32.0

Per cent.
13.6

17865

Subsoil

.0 -9

13 4

IRRIGATION.

The development of irrigation in the Redding area has been some-
what retarded and is practiced only to a limited extent. In the
uplands this is due largely to the expense of constructing distributing
systems in the hilly sections or to a limited water supply. In the
deeper moist soils of the nearly level valley districts irrigation is gen-
erally unnecessary for the profitable production of the leading fruit
crops. The extension of irrigation facilities^ is, however, greatly to
be desired, and no insurmountable difficulties present themselves, at
least in the most important sections of the area.

While in the Happy Valley and other upland districts attempts
have been made from time to time to produce fruits without irrigation,
failures have resulted and the necessity of irrigation for successful
fruit growing is now generally recognized.

The Happy Valley district is the most extensively irrigated section
of the area. The water is obtained from the creeks of the adjacent
mountains upon the west and is distributed by a private company,
largely by means of a system of small canals and ditches formerly
used for conveying water for mining purposes. The water is of good
quality for irrigation. On account of the extension of the fruit
industry in this section, however, the water supply during the dry
summer months has become entirely inadequate, and as the cost of
water is increasing much dissatisfaction is expressed by patrons of the
system. Tliis condition has created a demand for an investii2:ation of

28 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUEEAU OF SOILS, 1907.

water resources and the possibilities for the storage of water in reser-
voirs and its distribution under the Federal reclamation act. Some
preliminary investigations looking to this end have consequently been
carried on. A complete irrigation system for this section would call
for long, sinuous canals excavated through shallow rocky soils and
in the more hilly districts for the construction of expensive flumes
or pipe lines. Owing, however, to the ordinarily impervious nature
of the subsoils, only slight loss would result from seepage. Where
the production of choice fruits plays so important a part as it does
here, the extension of irrigation facilities should commend itself as a
field for investment of private capital or as worthy of Federal aid,
even where the first cost of installing irrigation works is relatively
great.

In the valley districts only a few small isolated irrigation systems
exist. These consist of an inextensive gravity system, irrigating a
few small fruit and alfalfa tracts, in the vicinity of Bellavista, along
the western side of the Cow Creek Valley and a number of pumping
plants, under private ownership, which irrigate a few acres of vege-
tables or alfalfa along the Sacramento River and its tributary creeks
from which water is taken. The operation of these plants has gener-
ally proved profitable. The available supply of water for pumping
in Stillwater Creek and other small streams during the summer
months is limited, though there is a considerable underflow in the
channels of the streams which might be rendered available by sinking
wells or pits. One small steam pumping plant in the Stillwater Creek
bottoms used for irrigating a small tract of alfalfa is reported to be
capable of throwing 1,000 gallons per minute.

Throughout the valley of the Sacramento and along some of the
tributary creeks considerable bodies of gently sloping land, admirably
adapted to irrigation but now devoted only to grazing or to dry farm-
ing to grains, could be furnished with water by gravity systems or by
pumping, so that the production of truck, alfalfa, sugar beets, or
forage crops on the deep valley soils would be greatly increased.
Near the central part of the area irrigation of the deep, gently sloping
lands is quite feasible, and its development should be encouraged. It
is probable that irrigation in the valley as well as in the upland por-
tions of the area will be given greater consideration in the future.

SUMMARY.

The Redding area has an extent of about 200 square miles and Hes
at the northern extremity of the depression of the Sacramento Valley,
being separated upon the south from the Sacramento Valley proper
by a low ridge of hills. It consists of rolhng or dissected uplands,
often wooded, traversed by the Sacramento River and its tributary
creeks. The greater part of the area is occupied by the upland
section.

SOIL SURVEY or THE REDDING AREA, CALIFORNIA. 29

The agricultural population of the northern and northeastern parts
is relatively sparse, the most important agricultural districts of the
area consisting of the Anderson A^alley district and the Happy Valley
district of the uplands, lying in the southwestern part of the area.

Transportation facilities are fair and the mining centers upon the
north afford excellent local markets for agricultural products.

The summers are long, warm, and dry, and the winters mild and
moderately rainy. The climate is generally healthful and favorable to
crop production and to the curing of green and dried fruit products.

The settlement of the Redding area was due mainly to the mining
excitement of 1849-50, the early agricultural products being grown to
supply demands of the mining camps. The construction of the rail-
road furnished an outlet for agricultural products and the production
of fruits soon became an industry of considerable commercial magni-
tude, developing first in the Anderson and later in the Happy Valley
district.

Green and dried fruits are the principal products, prunes and
peaches leading in commercial value, followed by grapes and small
fruits. Alfalfa is grown to a limited extent and commands excellent
prices. Grains are produced on a considerable scale under the dry
farming system, but the bulk of the crop is cut green and cured for hay.

The growing of pears has been a profitable and important industry,
but is now suffering a decline owing to the ravages of the pear blight,
which can be checked and eradicated only by the systematic and
persistent cutting and the removal of the infected parts of the tree.

The production of prunes is confined to the deeper, moist soils of the
valleys, wliile peaches find most favoral^le conditions upon the grav-
elly and more shallow lands of the valley slopes and uplands. In the
upland sections there is some possibility that commercial grape cul-
ture may be extended to the deeper soils without the need of irriga-
tion if thorough cultivation is practiced.

Many failures in the growing of grapes and tree fruits have resulted
from the selection of thin and stony soils, the lack of irrigation facili-
ties, and lack of proper care and cultivation.

Labor conditions during the fruit-harvesting season sometimes
become serious, labor frequently being scarce and commanding high
wages.

Little effort is made to induce settlers to enter the area or to effect
the subdivision and sale of the larger tracts of farming lands. Im-
proved valley lands may be purchased, however, at fair prices, while
in the upland section in the Happy Valley district wooded lands can
be bought at a low figure. The cost of clearing is high and the prod-
ucts must be hauled some distance to market or to the nearest ship-
ping point, but the cost of clearing is largely offset by the value of
the wood removed, and the country roads are generally in good con-
dition during the fruit-shipping season.

30 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUEEAU OF SOILS, 1907.

The soils of the area fall into three natural divisions, viz, the soils
of the uplands, of the valley slopes, and of the stream bottoms.

The soils of the uplands are generally red in color and of moder-
ately heavy texture, somewhat gravelly or stony, and underlain by
adobe subsoils. Where cla\"-iron hardpans are found the soils are
frequently shallow and unproductive, and are derived from ancient
valley sediments modified by subsequent weathering, by erosion, and
by wind action. The three upland soil types consist of two soils of
the Redding series and one nonagricultural type — Rough stony land.

The surface of the Redding gravelly loam is generally wooded or
covered with brush and is of rolling or sloping character, dissected by
numerous stream valleys. It is the prevailing soil type of the uplands,
and varies greatly in agricultural value and in adaptation to crops.
Where the hardpan does not too closely approach the surface and
where irrigable, as in the Happy Valley district, it is especially
adapted to the production of peaches, grapes, and berries, or to grape
culture without irrigation. Peaches are the leading fruit crop of this
soil type.

The Redding loam is similar in general features to the Redding
gravelly loam, but is usually of somewhat lighter texture, and the un-
derlying hardpan is of more general occurrence and lies nearer the
surface. It is a relatively inextensive soil, and owing to its thin
character and to the lack of irrigation facilities is usually devoted only
to grazing or to dry farming to grains, and is of secondary agricul-
tural importance.

Rough stony land is similar in character of soil material to the soils
of the Redding series, but owing to the occurrence of hardpan, its rough
topography, stony character, and lack of irrigation facilities, it has
no present agricultural importance.

The soils of the valley slopes consist of two types of the Anderson
series and the Bellavista sandy loam. These are formed mainly by
wash from adjacent upland slopes and are fairly well adapted to
peaches, pears, grapes, and, under irrigation, to alfalfa.

The Anderson gravelly loam occurs upon the gently sloping higher
valley plains adjacent to the soils of the uplands or in narrow valleys
of minor intermittent streams. Several productive orchards occur
upon this "soil type.

The Anderson fine sandy loam occurs as small, narrow bodies in the
vicinity of Churn and Stillwater creeks. The surface is frequently
uneven and often thickly covered with brush and timber. It is an
inextensive soil type, but supports a number of small orchards pro-
ducing a good quality of peaches, prunes, and pears.

The Bellavista sandy loam occurs as inextensive bodies only in the
northeastern part of the area in the vicinity of Cow Creek, and is
usually devoted only to grazing or to dry farming to grain.

SOIL SURVEY OF THE REDDING AREA, CALIFORNIA. 31

The soils of the stream bottoms consist of four types of the Sacra-
mento series and of one nonagricultural type — Riverwash. They
consist of recent alluvial stream sediments occuppnn^ the lower parts
of the valleys.

Riverwash is a mixture of fine to coarse sands, cobbles, and gravels,
occupjang old or present stream channels. It is a relatively inexten-
sive soil type, is subject to overflow, and is of no agricultural impor-
tance.

The Sacramento gravelly sandy loam occurs as inextensive bodies
in the vicinity of the Sacramento River and as narrow strips in
gulches and in the valleys of intermittent streams. It is usually
devoted to grazing and is of minor agricultural importance, although
fruit is produced to a small extent in favorable localities, and alfalfa
might be grown under copious irrigation.

The Sacramento fine sandy loam occurs as small bodies in the
vicinity of the Sacramento River and its tributary creeks. While
under irrigation it is fairly well adapted to alfalfa and to fruits, it is
usually devoted to grazing and is of secondary agricidtural importance.

The Sacramento silt loam is easily maintained in a fine condition of
tilth and is well adapted to the production of prunes, peaches, pears,
grapes, vegetables, and alfalfa. It is the leading soil type of the area
in the production of prunes, and is in point of extent and agricultural
value the most important soil of the stream bottoms.

The Sacramento loam is friable imder cultivation, occurring only
as rather small bodies near the center of the area. While it is
usually devoted only to pasture or to dry farming to grains, it is
excellently adapted to irrigation and to the culture of alfalfa, sugar
beets, or other irrigated crops, as well as to fruits.

The development of irrigation has, owing to natural difficulties,
been somewhat slow. In the valley districts irrigation is usually
unnecessary in the production of fruits, but upon the upland jiart of
the area it is essential to successful and jirofitable fruit culture.

The Happy Valley district is the most extensively irrigated section
of the area, but the present system is inadequate and the cost of water
is high. The extension of irrigation S3^stems in this district will be
costly, but as the profits realized from the intensive production of
choice fruits will be large, further development of irrigation should
be undertaken.

In other upland districts of the area water resources are limited
and the development of irrigation improbable.

In the valley sections there are a few small irrigation systems
operated by gravity or by pumping, but the production of vegetables
and alfalfa could be greatly increased by their extension.

o

1
I
I

I

E

I

I
I

n -,

i\v. ; 1/ •.

" \

\ '■

, ■:

..'- \ \

-^2^1

UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY

AA 001319 790