Ionia County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Capac, on about 8% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Parkhill and Marlette come next.
About 53% of the land drains well, and 39% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 43% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 51% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Ionia 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/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 Ionia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capac loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 36K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parkhill loam, non dense till subsoil, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Celina loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Carlisle muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marlette loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Celina loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wawasee loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sebewa loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McBride sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Tekenink-Elmdale loamy sands, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cohoctah-Sloan loams | 5K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wawasee loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tekenink-Spinks loamy sands, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wawasee loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| McBride sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Miami clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Conover loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morley loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Celina loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat 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 51% 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 97% 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.