Mason County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Mason County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grattan sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Covert sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wixom-Capac complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Typic Udipsamments, nearly level and undulating | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kingsville mucky sand | 8K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ithaca loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spinks-Coloma sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kerston-Carlisle-Glendora complex, frequently flooded | 8K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pipestone fine sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Epworth fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Spinks-Coloma sands, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, lake moderated cool, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fern-Marlette complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fern fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Onekama loam, Lake Michigan Lobe, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Filer fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Saugatuck-Jebavy complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Entic Haplorthods, sandy, deep water table, nearly level and undulating | 5K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 34% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 89% 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.