Berrien County, Michigan

Survey Area MI021• Michigan

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Berrien 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
Blount loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	27K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Spinks loamy fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Oshtemo sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Crosier silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	18K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rimer loamy fine sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes	15K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Riddles loam, lake moderated, 0 to 6 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Brady sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Riddles-Oshtemo complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Thetford loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cohoctah sandy loam	8K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kibbie loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ockley loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	7K			Not rated	Not rated
Pella silt loam	7K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Riddles loam, lake moderated, 6 to 12 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Houghton muck, lake moderated, 0 to 1 percent slopes	7K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Morocco loamy sand, lake plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Oshtemo-Ockley complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Oakville fine sand, lake moderated, 0 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Gilford sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very 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.

Histosols

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

Entisols

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

Mollisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 55% 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 84% 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.