Van Buren County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Van Buren County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selfridge loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coloma loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Capac loam, Lake Michigan lobe, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spinks loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gilford sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pipestone-Kingsville complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riddles sandy loam, lake moderated, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Algansee-Cohoctah complex | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thetford loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Plainfield sand, lake plain, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kalamazoo loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kingsville loamy sand | 10K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Adrian muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, lake moderated, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spinks-Oshtemo complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Colwood silt loam | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo-Coloma loamy sands, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% 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.