Osceola County, Michigan

Survey Area MI133• Michigan

The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Osceola 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
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

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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

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.