Missaukee County, Michigan

Survey Area MI113• Michigan

The dominant drainage class is Excessively 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 Missaukee 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
Rubicon sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	48K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Montcalm-Graycalm complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	42K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Rubicon sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes	37K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kawkawlin loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	18K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Roscommon mucky sand	17K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tawas mucky peat	16K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nester sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Iosco loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	15K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Graycalm-Rubicon sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes	14K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Au Gres loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Croswell sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	12K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Lupton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes	10K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Montcalm-Graycalm complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Otisco loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lupton muck, snowy, 0 to 1 percent slopes	9K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Manistee loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Brevort loamy sand	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sims loam	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Graycalm-Rubicon sands, 6 to 12 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kalkaska sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat excessively 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.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 41% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 100% 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.