St. Joseph County, Michigan

Survey Area MI149• 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 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. Joseph 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
Oshtemo sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes	89K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Spinks loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Hillsdale sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Houghton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes	14K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	13K			Not rated	Not rated
Elston sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Kalamazoo loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Hillsdale sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Brady sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Oshtemo sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Gilford sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, gravelly subsoil	8K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Adrian muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes	8K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Elmdale sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hillsdale sandy loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Spinks loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Teasdale sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bronson sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Histosols and Aquents, ponded	6K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Spinks loamy sand, 12 to 18 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Cohoctah loam	6K	Poorly drained	A/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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

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

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 28% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 95% 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

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.