Ogemaw County, Michigan

Survey Area MI129• Michigan

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Ogemaw 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
Graycalm sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	41K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Lupton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes	19K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nester fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kawkawlin loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	15K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Croswell sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	14K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Grayling sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	12K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Graycalm sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Rubicon sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	11K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Mancelona sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Selkirk loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tawas mucky peat	9K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	8K			Not rated	Not rated
Iosco sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Montcalm loamy sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Nester fine sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Montcalm loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Roscommon mucky sand	6K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kent sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rubicon sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes	6K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Histosols and Aquents, ponded	6K	Very poorly drained	A/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.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 40% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 96% 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.