Iron County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Wabeno, on about 11% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Karlin and Sundog come next.
About 34% of the land drains well, and 24% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 62% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 70% 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 2% 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 Iron 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 Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Iron 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wabeno-Goodwit silt loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes, very stony | 69K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wabeno-Goodman silt loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 44K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupton-Cathro-Humaquepts complex | 38K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Argonne-Sarwet sandy loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes, very stony | 34K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 31K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Petticoat-Wabeno silt loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes, very stony | 26K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loxley and Beseman soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 23K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Karlin-Keweenaw-Sarona, dense substratum, complex, 6 to 25 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minocqua-Channing complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sundog very fine sandy loam, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Argonne-Sarona sandy loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 14K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Champion-Net very fine sandy loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes, very stony | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Net-Witbeck complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes, very stony | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Champion cobbly silt loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Karlin, moderately wet-Croswell complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Waucedah-Cathro mucks, frequently flooded | 12K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pence-Lode complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Vilas-Karlin complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Vilas-Karlin complex, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pence sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not 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 70% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 99% 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.