Catahoula Parish, Louisiana

Survey Area LA025• Louisiana

The dominant drainage class is 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 Catahoula 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
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

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.

Ultisols

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

Entisols

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

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.