Ascension Parish, Louisiana

Survey Area LA005• Louisiana

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Ascension 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
Barbary muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	31K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Schriever clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	23K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Commerce silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	16K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Schriever clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	10K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Commerce silty clay loam	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Calhoun silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	9K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	9K			Not rated	Not rated
Deerford-Verdun complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Fausse association, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	8K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Thibaut clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	8K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Olivier silt loam	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Acy silt loam	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Galvez silt loam	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Essen silt loam	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fausse-Galvez association	4K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Deerford-Patoutville complex	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Schriever silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	3K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, deltaic plain	3K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Convent silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Jeanerette silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	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.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 80% 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 95% 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.