Shiawassee County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/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 Shiawassee County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conover loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 80K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookston loam, dense substratum, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 32K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookston loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 31K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carlisle muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berville loam | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wawasee loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Celina loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conover loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilford sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, gravelly subsoil | 9K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Macomb loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boyer loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sebewa loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wawasee loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Timakwa muck | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wasepi sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Metamora sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Macomb sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linwood muck | 4K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boyer sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wawasee loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.