Eaton County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/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 Eaton County, Michigan.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 84% 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 100% 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.