Alger County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly 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 Alger County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbondale, Lupton, and Tawas mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 50K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 46K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Shoepac-Trenary silt loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 21K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Shoepac-Ensley complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Loxley, Dawson, and Greenwood peats, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska-Cusino complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Garlic sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cathro and Lupton mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tawas-Deford mucks | 12K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Garlic sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes, severely burned | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Munising-Yalmer-Frohling complex, calcareous substratum, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charlevoix-Ensley complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Finch-Kinross complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chippeny-Nahma mucks | 8K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paquin-Finch sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dillingham-Kalkaska complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 54% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 93% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.