Crawford County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Excessively 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 Crawford County, Michigan.
| 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 |
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.