Charlevoix County, Michigan

Survey Area MI029• 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 Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Charlevoix 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
Water	24K			Not rated	Not rated
Kalkaska-Leelanau association, undulating	12K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Tawas-Carbondale association	10K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Roscommon sand	10K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Alpena, Kiva, and East Lake soils	10K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Emmet sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Kalkaska-Leelanau association, hilly	9K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Carbondale muck	8K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Emmet sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Leelanau-Rubicon loamy sands, 18 to 25 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Kalkaska-Leelanau association, rolling	7K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Leelanau-Emmet association, hilly	7K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Emmet-Onaway sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Kalkaska sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Leelanau-Rubicon loamy sands, 6 to 12 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Mancelona loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Leelanau-Rubicon loamy sands, 25 to 50 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Leelanau-Emmet association, rolling	5K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Belding-Breckenridge sandy loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lupton muck	4K	Very 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.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Mollisols

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

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 45% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 85% 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.