Crawford County, Michigan

Survey Area MI039• Michigan

The dominant drainage class is Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Crawford 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
Grayling sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	74K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Graycalm sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	61K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Graycalm sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes	17K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Rubicon sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	16K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Croswell sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	15K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Grayling sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes	12K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Graycalm-Klacking complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	12K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Tawas and Lupton mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes	11K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kalkaska sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Tawas-Leafriver mucks	8K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Udipsamments-Haplorthods-Eutroboralfs complex, nearly level to steep	8K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Blue Lake loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Klacking loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Kalkaska sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Grayling sand, nearly level and undulating	5K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Water	5K			Not rated	Not rated
Rubicon sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes	4K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Rubicon-Graycalm sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes	4K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Croswell-Au Gres sands, 0 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Grayling sand, 18 to 45 percent slopes	4K	Excessively drained	A	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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

About 98% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.