Berrien County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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.
| 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 |
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.