Charlevoix 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 Charlevoix County, Michigan.
| 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 |
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.