Eaton County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Marlette, on about 24% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Capac and Parkhill come next.
About 24% of the land drains well, and 56% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 73% of it.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 77% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Eaton County, Michigan, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Eaton 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marlette loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 70K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conover loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 36K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Capac-Marlette loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 36K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parkhill loam, non dense till subsoil, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Filer loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Capac loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 16K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Owosso-Marlette sandy loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sebewa loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colwood loam | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boyer loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cohoctah fine sandy loam, frequently flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Metamora-Capac sandy loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wasepi sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Matherton loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilford sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, gravelly subsoil | 5K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boyer sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Palms muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brady-Bronson sandy loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adrian muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 77% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 98% 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.