Delta County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). 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 Delta County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbondale, Lupton, and Tawas mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 116K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charlevoix sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 55K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ensley muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 47K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cathro and Lupton mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 44K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trenary fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Roscommon mucky loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 34K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 33K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 29K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Loxley, Dawson, and Greenwood peats, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 26K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Onaway-Ossineke fine sandy loams, moraine, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nahma muck | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 18K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Summerville fine sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Limestone rock land | 16K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rubicon sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Au Gres sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sundell fine sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Croswell sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Longrie sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 68% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 85% 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.