Wayne County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Wayne County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban land-Riverfront complex, dense substratum, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 18K | D | Not limited | Not limited | |
| Blount loam, Erie-Huron Lake Plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pewamo loam | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thetford loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tedrow loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 15K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Granby loamy fine sand | 12K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Riverfront complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 11K | D | Not limited | Not limited | |
| Cut and fill land | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Selfridge loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shebeon-Urban land complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shebeon-Urban land-Avoca complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Metamora sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount-Urban land complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nappanee silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kibbie-Urban land complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ziegenfuss clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tedrow loamy fine sand, loamy substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belleville loamy fine sand | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilford sandy loam | 6K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% 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 74% 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.