Osceola County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Osceola County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalkaska sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Carbondale muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montcalm loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Montcalm loamy sand, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montcalm loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Montcalm loamy sand, 18 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Onekama loam, Saginaw Lobe, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Onekama loam, Saginaw Lobe, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Coloma sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Grattan sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lupton muck, snowy, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Croswell sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coloma sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kawkawlin loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McBride sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chelsea sand, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nester sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nester sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 35% 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. 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.