St. Clair County, Michigan

Survey Area MI147• Michigan

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/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 St. Clair 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
Parkhill loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	48K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Blount loam, Erie-Huron Lake Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes	37K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Allendale-Lenawee-Toledo complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	28K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wainola-Deford fine sands, 0 to 2 percent slopes	25K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Latty complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	24K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Conover loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	24K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bach very fine sandy loam	20K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Allendale-Hoytville complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	19K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Blount loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	16K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Allendale-Latty complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	16K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sloan, frequently flooded, and Ceresco, occasionally flooded, soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes	13K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Conover-Parkhill loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	12K			Not rated	Not rated
Londo loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Conover loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nappanee-Hoytville complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Chelsea-Covert sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Metamora-Parkhill complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pert-Sims loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Latty silty clay loam	8K	Very 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.

Inceptisols

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

Spodosols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 96% 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 96% 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.