Catahoula Parish, Louisiana
The dominant drainage class is 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 Catahoula Parish, Louisiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded, south | 46K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alligator clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 31K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 28K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 28K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Tensas-Alligator complex, undulating | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alligator clay, frequently flooded | 20K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Oula-Providence association, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guyton silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 16K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale-Briley(lucy)-Providence association, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oula-Providence association, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tensas silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tensas-Alligator complex, undulating, occasionally flooded | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee-Alligator complex, gently undulating | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hebert silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sweatman-Smithdale association, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Perry clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, Arkansas River | 10K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oula-Providence-Smithdale association, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Calloway silt loam | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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.