Barry County, Michigan

Survey Area MI015• Michigan

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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. 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
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

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.

Alfisols

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

Entisols

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

Histosols

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

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

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.