Cheboygan County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly 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 Cheboygan County, Michigan.
| 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 |
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.