Bienville Parish, Louisiana

Survey Area LA013• Louisiana

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Bienville 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
Guyton-Ouachita silt loams, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	113K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sacul fine sandy loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	80K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sacul fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	31K	Moderately well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bowie fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Briley loamy fine sand, 5 to 12 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Bowie fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Gurdon silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	19K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sawyer very fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	18K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Briley loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Malbis fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	15K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Betis loamy fine sand, 5 to 12 percent slopes	14K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Malbis fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	14K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Betis loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes	13K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Water	9K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Dubach fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Ruston fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Shatta silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Mahan fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Eastwood fine sandy loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Beauregard silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well 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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 55% 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 87% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.