Mecosta County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively 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 Mecosta County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coloma sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 45K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coloma sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 36K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Spinks loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Remus sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mecosta sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Marlette sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupton muck, snowy, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Covert sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Metea loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Plainfield sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Spinks loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Remus sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Thetford loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Onekama loam, Saginaw Lobe, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Filer sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Locke sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mecosta sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Onekama loam, Saginaw Lobe, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 92% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.