Josephine Soil Series
USDA Code: OR0081
K-Factor
0.28
Soil Erodibility Factor
Texture Class
loam
Drainage Class
well drained
About Josephine
Moderately deep, well drained soils formed in colluvium and residuum derived from metasedimentary rocks, principally schist and phyllite. Found on mountains and hills with slopes of 5 to 90 percent at 200–5,000 ft elevation.
K factor values are sourced from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) SSURGO database.
Using Josephine in a RUSLE calculation
For a California construction project, use the soil K factor with rainfall erosivity, slope length and steepness, cover management, and support practice inputs. The K factor represents the soil erodibility portion of the model, so selecting the soil series that matches the site is important for defensible stormwater documentation.
In a SWPPP workflow, the practical question is not just what soil type is mapped near the project. It is whether the mapped series, K factor, and drainage assumptions match the site evidence well enough to support the RUSLE or RUSLE2 calculation.
California Distribution
Extensive in the Klamath Mountains of Del Norte, Siskiyou, and Trinity counties. The fine-textured, weathered ultramafic parent material contributes to the characteristic reddish-brown color and the presence of serpentine-tolerant flora.
Counties Where Found
Josephine soil FAQ
What is the K factor for Josephine soil?
Josephine has a listed K factor of 0.28 in the Rapid RUSLE soil directory. Confirm final values against project specific soil survey data before submitting permit documents.
Where is Josephine soil found in California?
Josephine is mapped in Del Norte, Humboldt, Siskiyou, and other California counties. County mapping is based on available soil series data and should be verified for the exact project location.
How is Josephine used in RUSLE erosion calculations?
Use the Josephine K factor as the soil erodibility input in RUSLE or RUSLE2, along with rainfall, slope, cover, and support practice factors for the site.
Calculate erosion risk with Josephine soil data
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