Kalamazoo County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Kalamazoo County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalamazoo loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kalamazoo loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Riddles loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sleeth loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalamazoo loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Kalamazoo complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Oshtemo sandy loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Schoolcraft loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo sandy loam, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spinks loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Houghton and Sebewa soils, ponded | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coloma loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sebewa loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spinks loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Coloma loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Schoolcraft loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 23% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 85% 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.