Dickinson County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Dickinson County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lupton, Cathro, and Markey mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 56K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carbondale and Cathro mucks | 44K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pemene fine sandy loam, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Emmet fine sandy loam, moraines, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Emmet fine sandy loam, moraines, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pemene fine sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Waucedah-Cathro complex | 19K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pemene-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ensley muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emmet fine sandy loam, drumlins, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Solona fine sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emmet fine sandy loam, drumlins, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Emmet-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Zimmerman fine sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zimmerman fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Emmet-Pemene fine sandy loams, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pemene fine sandy loam, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emmet fine sandy loam, moraines, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very 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 71% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.