Houghton County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Houghton County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munising-Skanee complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 22K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Munising loamy fine sand, dissected, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Munising loamy fine sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupton and Cathro soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 17K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Graveraet fine sandy loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes, stony | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Munising-Yalmer complex, dissected, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Munising-Yalmer complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Skanee-Gay complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Munising-Alcona-Liminga complex, dissected, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montreal-Paavola-Waiska complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vilas loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Deford-Tawas complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Liminga fine sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dawson, Greenwood and Loxley soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Graveraet-Misery complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska-Waiska sands, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Loggerhead loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Graveraet fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montreal-Net complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 80% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, 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. 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.