Catahoula Parish, Louisiana
The most common soil here is Sharkey, on about 17% of the land: a clay, sticky when wet and rock-hard when dry. Alligator and Tensas come next.
About 19% of the land drains well, and 72% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 73% of it.
USDA rates 90% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 89% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 30% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 89% 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 90% 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.