Los Osos Soil Series
USDA Code: CA0425
K-Factor
0.32
Soil Erodibility Factor
Texture Class
clay loam
Drainage Class
well drained
About Los Osos
Moderately deep, well drained soils formed in material weathered from sandstone and shale. Found on hills and mountains with moderate slopes.
K factor values are sourced from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) SSURGO database.
Using Los Osos 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
Common along the Central Coast in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Named for the town of Los Osos.
Counties Where Found
Los Osos soil FAQ
What is the K factor for Los Osos soil?
Los Osos has a listed K factor of 0.32 in the Rapid RUSLE soil directory. Confirm final values against project specific soil survey data before submitting permit documents.
Where is Los Osos soil found in California?
Los Osos is mapped in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara. County mapping is based on available soil series data and should be verified for the exact project location.
How is Los Osos used in RUSLE erosion calculations?
Use the Los Osos 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 Los Osos soil data
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