Newaygo 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 Newaygo County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plainfield sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 52K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coloma sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coloma sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 27K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Brems sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Covert sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kingsville mucky sand | 19K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pipestone sand, lake moderated cool, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glendora mucky sand | 17K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Plainfield sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 13K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Metea-Marlette-Spinks complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Marlette loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Metea-Marlette-Spinks complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grattan sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Spinks-Metea-Coloma complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Adrian muck, lake moderated cool, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spinks loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coloma sand, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Metea loamy sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Grattan, banded substratum-Metea complex, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 32% 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.