Isabella County, Michigan

Survey Area MI073• Michigan

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly 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 Isabella 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
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

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

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.