Antrim County, Michigan

Survey Area MI009• Michigan

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Antrim County, Michigan. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Kalkaska-Blue Lake sands, 18 to 35 percent slopes	37K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Springlake-Kalkaska sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes	32K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Water	32K			Not rated	Not rated
Kalkaska-Blue Lake sands, 6 to 18 percent slopes	29K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kalkaska-Blue Lake sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes	25K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Kalkaska sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	20K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Tawas and Lupton mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes	14K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Emmet-Blue Lake loamy sands, 18 to 35 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Emmet-Blue Lake loamy sands, 2 to 6 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ensley-Cathro mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Emmet-Blue Lake loamy sands, 6 to 12 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Emmet-Onaway complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Kalkaska sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes, burned	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Emmet-Blue Lake loamy sands, lake moderated, 18 to 35 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Emmet-Montcalm complex, lake moderated, 3 to 12 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Islandlake loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Emmet-Blue Lake loamy sands, 12 to 18 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Emmet-Montcalm complex, lake moderated, 12 to 40 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Kalkaska sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Tawas-Ensley complex	4K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 33% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 82% 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.