Michigan State soil
Kalkaska sand
Michigan Soil
Kalkaska sand was chosen to be Michigan's state soil in the 1990's. Kalkaska soil occurs in both the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. it is used primarily for sugar maple and yellow birch hardwood timber, and sometimes for Christmas trees and specialty crops such as potatoes and strawberries
Description of soil
This soil is a multi-layer soil composed of humus, light sand, dark sand, and yellowish sand. It is classified as a spodosol. The distinctive sand layers can range from black to yellowish-brown and are commonly 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 m) deep. Kalkaska sand is well-drained and effectively filters water.
5 facts
-Kalkaska sand is one of more than 500 soils found in Michigan
- It’s also the reason lakes and rivers located in areas of the state where Kalkaska sand is abundant are so clean.
-that states and scientists will go out of their way to actually recognize and celebrate it.
-Taxonomic class: Sandy, isotic, frigid Typic Haplorthods
-TYPICAL PEDON: Kalkaska sand, on a west-facing, 1 percent slope in a forested area.