Calhoun County, 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 Calhoun 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oshtemo sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kalamazoo loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, undrained, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 38K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hillsdale sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sebewa loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hillsdale sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kalamazoo loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Spinks loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Matherton loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brady sandy loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalamazoo loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Boyer sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Boyer sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Bronson sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Spinks loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Adrian muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo sandy loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Oshtemo complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | D | Not limited | Not 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 28% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.