Schoolcraft County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). 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 Schoolcraft County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Markey mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 98K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carbondale, Lupton, and Tawas mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 79K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 46K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Loxley, Dawson, and Greenwood peats, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 31K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 30K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Spot-Finch complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 29K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Deford and Leafriver soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cathro and Lupton mucks, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 24K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ausable, Deford, and Tawas mucks, frequently flooded | 17K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deford-Rubicon-Au Gres complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Proper sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Garlic sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Paquin sand, 0 to 3 percent slope | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kinross-Au Gres-Rubicon complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Deford-Meehan-Seney complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rousseau-Neconish-Finch complex, 0 to 25 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charlevoix-Ensley complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 73% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 94% 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.