Cass County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Cass County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalamazoo loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Spinks loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 20K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalamazoo loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cassopolis fine sandy loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalamazoo loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Schoolcraft loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Spinks-Oshtemo complex, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ormas loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Teasdale fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spinks-Oshtemo complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gilford sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, gravelly subsoil | 6K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spinks-Oshtemo complex, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spinks loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Adrian muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glendora muck | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cohoctah loam | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.