Antrim County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat 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 Antrim County, Michigan.
| 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 |
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.