Luce County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). 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.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 68% 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 95% 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.