Muskegon County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.