Hillsdale County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Hillsdale 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williamstown-Conover complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 37K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hillsdale-Riddles sandy loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood-Blount complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wawasee loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 25K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blount loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 20K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fox sandy loam, till plain, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Riddles sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hillsdale-Riddles sandy loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Morley loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Conover loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fox sandy loam, Huron Lobe, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wolcott silt loam | 9K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boyer loamy sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Locke fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pewamo silt loam | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Matherton loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sloan silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Coloma sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not 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 31% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 85% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.