Luce County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Kalkaska, on about 15% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Rubicon and Wallace come next.
About 47% of the land drains well, and 42% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 57% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 71% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
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 Luce 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 Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Luce 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbondale, Lupton, and Tawas mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 92K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loxley, Dawson, and Greenwood peats, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 44K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 35K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 33K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Histosols and Aquents, ponded | 20K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Markey mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 17K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 17K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Wallace sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spot-Finch complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hendrie-Annanias complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska sand, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spot-Dawson peats | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tawas-Spot-Finch complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paquin-Spot complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wallace sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wallace sand, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paquin sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 71% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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.