Monroe County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Pewamo, on about 14% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Selfridge and Lenawee come next.
About 5% of the land drains well, and 88% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 89% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 88% 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, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 1% of it.
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 Monroe 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 Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Monroe 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pewamo clay loam | 47K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Selfridge-Pewamo complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Selfridge loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lenawee silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 21K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount loam, Erie-Huron Lake Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tedrow loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Granby loamy fine sand | 16K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oakville fine sand, Erie-Huron Lake Plain, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fulton silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ziegenfuss clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Corunna sandy loam | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thetford loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Del Rey silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ziegenfuss clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Metamora sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belleville loamy sand | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilford sandy loam | 8K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ottokee fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sloan loam | 7K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toledo silty clay loam | 7K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very 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 88% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 96% 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.