Alpena County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Alpena County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ossineke fine sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 35K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 22K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Deford muck | 18K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Slade loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tacoda-Wakeley complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 14K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tawas muck | 14K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morganlake loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupton muck, lake moderated, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Namur channery silt loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | D | Not limited | Not limited |
| Cathro muck | 11K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tonkey silt loam | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Au Gres sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iosco loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tawas-Au Gres complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Au Gres-Deford complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Angelica loam | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hoist sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Croswell sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alpena gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chippeny muck | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 83% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 85% 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.