Ionia County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Ionia County, Michigan.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 56% 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 94% 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.