Monroe County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 92% 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 100% 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.