Huron County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Shebeon, on about 25% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Kilmanagh and Avoca come next.
About 4% of the land drains well, and 81% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 91% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 93% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 1% of it.
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 Huron 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 B/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 Huron 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shebeon loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 119K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kilmanagh loam | 95K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Avoca loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 38K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tappan loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 22K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guelph-Londo loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shebeon-Badaxe sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aubarque loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 15K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Fluvaquents, loamy | 12K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sanilac silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shebeon cobbly loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grindstone-Kilmanagh loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grindstone loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Corunna sandy loam | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Covert-Tobico complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Badaxe fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belleville loamy sand | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boyer loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pipestone sand, Erie-Huron Lake Plain, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bach silt loam | 7K | Poorly drained | B/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 93% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 96% 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.