Iosco County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Iosco County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grayling sand, calcareous substratum, nearly level and undulating | 39K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tawas and Lupton mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 17K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grayling sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Deford muck | 14K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Grayling sand, very deep water table, nearly level and undulating | 12K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Croswell sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Graycalm sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kawkawlin sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Borosaprists, euic | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Au Gres sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Au Gres-Deford complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nester sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morganlake sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Grayling sand, nearly level and undulating | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Borosaprists, euic-Fluvaquents-Aquic Udipsamments complex, nearly level | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mcivor-Wakeley complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Croswell sand, nearly level and undulating | 4K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grayling sand, calcareous substratum, rolling | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 49% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 93% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.