Sheetiron Soil Series
K-Factor
0.2
Soil Erodibility Factor
Texture Class
loam
Drainage Class
somewhat excessively drained
About Sheetiron
Shallow, somewhat excessively drained soils formed in residuum weathered from ultrabasic rocks, principally serpentinized peridotite and dunite. Very stony or cobbly throughout. Typically less than 20 inches to a lithic or paralithic contact.
K factor values are sourced from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) SSURGO database.
Using Sheetiron 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
Occurs on steep slopes of the Klamath Mountains and Coast Ranges in Trinity and Mendocino counties where ultramafic rocks are exposed at the surface. The high magnesium and low calcium of serpentine soils support distinctive native plant communities.
Counties Where Found
Sheetiron soil FAQ
What is the K factor for Sheetiron soil?
Sheetiron has a listed K factor of 0.2 in the Rapid RUSLE soil directory. Confirm final values against project specific soil survey data before submitting permit documents.
Where is Sheetiron soil found in California?
Sheetiron is mapped in Lake, Mendocino, Trinity. County mapping is based on available soil series data and should be verified for the exact project location.
How is Sheetiron used in RUSLE erosion calculations?
Use the Sheetiron 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 Sheetiron soil data
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