Berrien County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Oshtemo, on about 12% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Riddles and Spinks come next.
About 47% of the land drains well, and 48% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 49% of it.
USDA rates 87% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 57% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Berrien County, Michigan, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% 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 87% 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.