Livingston 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 Livingston County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wawasee loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Carlisle muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 34K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wawasee loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Conover loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wawasee loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Owosso-Miami sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boyer-Oshtemo loamy sands, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Boyer-Oshtemo loamy sands, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Spinks-Oakville loamy sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fox sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gilford sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, gravelly subsoil | 8K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookston loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fox-Boyer complex, 18 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami-Conover loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fox sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fox-Boyer complex, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hillsdale sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 39% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 94% 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.