Jackson County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Jackson County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsdale-Riddles sandy loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 38K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riddles sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ormas-Spinks complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Palms muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 23K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hillsdale-Riddles sandy loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gilford-Colwood complex | 20K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boyer-Oshtemo sandy loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ormas-Spinks complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Teasdale fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Riddles sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Spinks sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Arkport-Okee loamy fine sands, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Brady sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dixboro very fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boyer-Oshtemo sandy loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Barry loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arkport-Okee loamy fine sands, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Edwards muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 36% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 82% 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.