Allen Parish, Louisiana
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 Allen Parish, Louisiana. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caddo-Messer complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 95K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guyton-Ouachita complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 58K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenmora silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 53K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guyton-Messer complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 46K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guyton silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 42K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kinder-Gist complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 28K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crowley-Vidrine complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Malbis fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Beauregard silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cahaba-Bienville-Guyton complex, gently undulating | 22K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Prairieland silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruston fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Prairieland silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cahaba fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bienville loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Acadia silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gore very fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mamou silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Basile and Brule, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 2K | Not rated | Not rated |
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 84% 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 99% 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.