Ottawa County, Michigan

Survey Area MI139• Michigan

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Ottawa 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
Granby loamy sand, lake plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes	37K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Plainfield sand, lake plain, 0 to 6 percent slopes	25K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Kawkawlin loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	20K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Perrinton loam, Lake Michigan Lobe, 2 to 6 percent slopes	19K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Covert-Pipestone sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes	15K	Moderately well drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pipestone-Covert-Saugatuck sands, 0 to 3 percent slopes	15K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Plainfield sand, lake plain, 6 to 18 percent slopes	11K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	11K			Not rated	Not rated
Coloma loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Onekama loam, Lake Michigan Lobe, 6 to 12 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	D	Not limited	Very limited
Granby fine sandy loam, lake plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Blount loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sloan loam	6K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Croswell sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pipestone loamy sand, lake moderated, 0 to 4 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kawkawlin loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Iosco loamy sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sims loam	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Plainfield sand, dunes, 18 to 60 percent slopes	5K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Allendale sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	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.

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.

Spodosols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 69% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.