Alcona County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Alcona County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klacking-McGinn loamy sands, 8 to 50 percent slopes, dissected | 25K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tacoda-Wakeley complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McGinn loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lupton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Grayling sand, calcareous substratum, nearly level and undulating | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Alfic Haplorthods, sandy over loamy-Alfic Haplorthods, sandy complex, rolling | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Klacking loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Algonquin silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tawas muck | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Graycalm sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hoist sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Algonquin-Springport complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glennie loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klacking loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tawas-Au Gres complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McGinn loamy sand, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zimmerman-Annalake complex, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chinwhisker sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Typic Udipsamments, banded substratum, nearly level and undulating | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 49% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 85% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.