Tuscola County, Michigan

Survey Area MI157• Michigan

The dominant drainage class is 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 Tuscola 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
Tappan-Londo loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes	80K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tappan loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	44K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Guelph-Londo loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes	27K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Pipestone sand, Erie-Huron Lake Plain, 0 to 3 percent slopes	22K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Granby loamy fine sand	18K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tappan-Avoca complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	17K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Conover loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	17K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Boyer sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Marlette sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Marlette-Capac complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Wasepi sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	13K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ottokee loamy fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	12K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Selfridge loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Londo loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Corunna sandy loam	11K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilford sandy loam	11K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wolcott loam	10K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wixom-Belleville loamy fine sands, 0 to 3 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Capac loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Metamora sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/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.

Spodosols

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

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.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 88% 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.