Kalamazoo County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Kalamazoo, on about 25% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Oshtemo and Coloma come next.
About 68% of the land drains well, and 20% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 15% of it.
USDA rates 84% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 28% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 1% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Kalamazoo 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Kalamazoo 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 28% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 84% 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.