Grand Traverse County, Michigan

Survey Area MI055• Michigan

The dominant drainage class is Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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. 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
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

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.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

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.