Isabella 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 Isabella County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ithaca loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 27K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Onekama loam, Saginaw Lobe, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pipestone sand, Erie-Huron Lake Plain, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conover loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Remus-Spinks complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coloma sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Selfridge loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Capac loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pinnebog muck | 13K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parkhill loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kingsville loamy sand | 11K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Remus-Spinks complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Spinks sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Adrian muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Filer loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ziegenfuss loam | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guelph loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coloma sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Parkhill loam, non dense till subsoil, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 58% 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.