Montcalm County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Tekenink, on about 14% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Plainfield and Mancelona come next.
About 70% of the land drains well, and 27% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 40% of it.
USDA rates 84% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 28% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
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 Montcalm 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 B (moderate infiltration). 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 Montcalm 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tekenink-Elmdale loamy sands, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tekenink-Spinks loamy sands, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Plainfield-Spinks sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 49K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Carlisle muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 33K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McBride and Isabella sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Onekama loam, Saginaw Lobe, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rifle and Tawas peats, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mancelona loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| McBride and Isabella sandy loams, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield-Spinks sands, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 13K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Onekama loam, Saginaw Lobe, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mancelona loamy sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gladwin loamy sand and Palo sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Epoufette loamy sand and Ronald sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mancelona loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ensley loam and Edmore loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McBride and Isabella sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tekenink-Elmdale loamy sands, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Capac loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat 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 28% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 84% 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.