Barry County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Barry County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marlette fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 35K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 23K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Filer loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 15K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Oshtemo sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coloma loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Capac loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalamazoo loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo sandy loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Histosols and Aquents, ponded | 10K | Very poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Coloma loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Marlette-Oshtemo complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Coloma-Boyer loamy sands, 18 to 40 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Filer loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Filer loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marlette-Oshtemo complex, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Perrinton loam, Saginaw Lobe, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo sandy loam, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coloma loamy sand, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 52% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 93% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.