Cheboygan County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly 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 Cheboygan 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 | 52K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rubicon sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 30K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tawas peat | 28K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cheboygan loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 18K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Roscommon muck | 18K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cheboygan loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Riggsville loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blue Lake loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Au Gres sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Croswell sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupton muck, lake moderated, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cheboygan loamy sand, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, banded substratum, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| East Lake sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bowstring muck, frequently flooded | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blue Lake loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grayling sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Not 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 42% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
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.