Benzie and Manistee Counties, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is 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 Benzie and Manistee Counties, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaleva sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 39K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Benzonia sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 28K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 27K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Houghton-Adrian mucks, lake moderated snowy, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 21K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benona sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Benzonia sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, nearly level and undulating | 16K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nessen-Kaleva sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Brethren sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coloma sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Spinks-Coloma sands, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grattan sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Spinks-Coloma sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Shavenaugh sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Benzonia sand, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Udipsamments, nearly level and undulating | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dair-Adrian mucks | 8K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benona sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dair muck | 8K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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.