Mason County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Entic Haplorthods, on about 7% of the land. Grattan and Covert come next.
About 54% of the land drains well, and 34% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 35% of it.
USDA rates 92% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 43% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Mason 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Mason 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 43% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 92% 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.