Grand Traverse County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Grand Traverse County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rubicon sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 25K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 19K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kalkaska loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Carlisle muck, lake moderated snowy, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montcalm-Kalkaska loamy sands, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Emmet sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 18 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Montcalm-Kalkaska loamy sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lupton muck, snowy, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Croswell-Rubicon sands, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rifle peat | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emmet sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Croswell loamy sands, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leelanau-Kalkaska loamy sands, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 89% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.