Muskegon County, Michigan

Survey Area MI121• 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 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 Muskegon 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
Plainfield sand, lake plain, 0 to 6 percent slopes	51K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Plainfield sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	45K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Pipestone-Covert-Saugatuck sands, 0 to 3 percent slopes	30K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Roscommon and Au Gres sands	27K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Covert-Pipestone sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes	26K	Moderately well drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Plainfield sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes	14K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	13K			Not rated	Not rated
Nester-Ubly sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kerston muck	11K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Onekama loam, Lake Michigan Lobe, 2 to 6 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	D	Not limited	Very limited
Plainfield sand, lake plain, 6 to 18 percent slopes	7K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Plainfield-Urban land complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	7K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Belding and Allendale soils, 0 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tawas and Carlisle mucks	6K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Granby loamy sand, lake plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tonkey and Deford soils	5K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sloan soils	5K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Saranac loam	4K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nester-Kawkawlin loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Plainfield sand, high ecological site, 18 to 30 percent slopes	3K	Excessively drained	A	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.

Alfisols

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

Entisols

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

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 45% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 95% 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.