Ingham County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Ingham County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conover loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 56K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colwood-Brookston loams | 35K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marlette fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aubbeenaubbee-Capac sandy loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 20K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Marlette complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | Not rated | Very limited | |
| Owosso-Marlette sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Capac-Colwood complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 12K | C/D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Spinks loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gilford sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, gravelly subsoil | 10K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Filer fine sandy loam, Saginaw Lobe, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hillsdale-Riddles sandy loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sebewa loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brady sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palms muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keowns very fine sandy loam | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adrian muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo-Spinks loamy sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Capac loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 75% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.