Arenac County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/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 Arenac County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grayling association | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Roscommon sand | 10K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Twining-Belding sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roscommon association | 9K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Selfridge loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brevort loamy sand | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Au Gres association | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sims clay loam | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nester fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Au Gres sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thunderbay, Colonville, and Ausable soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iosco loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allendale loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pipestone sand, Erie-Huron Lake Plain, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wisner clay loam | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deford loamy fine sand | 4K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tawas peat and muck | 3K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon association, undulating | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Charity silty clay loam | 3K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 79% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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.