Mackinac 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 Mackinac County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbondale, Lupton, and Tawas mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 79K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cathro and Lupton mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 47K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 45K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Wallace sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Angelica muck | 18K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pickford silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spot-Finch complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Markey-Spot-Finch complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leafriver-Croswell-Wainola complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelter very cobbly loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes, stony | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guardlake fine sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Amadon-Longrie sandy loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes, rocky | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Battydoe fine sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, stony | 13K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Solona loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deford and Leafriver soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Springlake loamy coarse sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Histosols and Aquents, ponded | 11K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eastport-Leafriver complex, 0 to 35 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amadon-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paquin sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 90% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.