Genesee County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Conover, on about 24% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Brookston and Del Rey come next.
About 21% of the land drains well, and 62% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 74% of it.
USDA rates 91% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 74% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% 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 Genesee 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 Genesee 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conover loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 80K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conover loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Celina-Conover loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookston loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookston loam, dense substratum, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wawasee loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Del Rey silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Crosier complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Del Rey silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lenawee silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Celina-Owosso sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wawasee loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Spinks-Oakville loamy sands, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Selfridge loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Metamora sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami-Metea complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Boyer loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Carlisle muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conover-Metamora sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/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 74% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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.