Allegan County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Excessively 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 Allegan County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plainfield sand, lake plain, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 86K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chelsea loamy fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 34K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Capac loam, Lake Michigan lobe, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 26K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo-Chelsea complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rimer loamy sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, lake plain, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 14K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Granby loamy sand, lake plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, lake moderated, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ockley loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Capac-Marlette loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glendora loamy sand | 11K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Tedrow fine sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thetford loamy fine sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morocco-Newton complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pipestone sand, lake moderated, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo-Chelsea complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Metea loamy fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Capac-Wixom complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 45% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 94% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.