Concordia Parish, Louisiana

Survey Area LA029• 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 Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Concordia 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
Tensas-Alligator complex, undulating	64K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	45K			Not rated	Not rated
Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	43K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	43K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Alligator clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	33K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded, south	30K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Commerce and Bruin soils, frequently flooded	20K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Alligator clay	18K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tensas-Alligator complex, undulating, occasionally flooded	17K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dundee-Alligator-Tensas complex, gently undulating	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dundee loam	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Newellton and Sharkey soils, frequently flooded	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dundee-Alligator-Tensas complex, undulating	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dowling clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, tensas	11K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tensas silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Commerce silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Tensas silty clay loam	8K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Alligator clay, gently undulating, occasionally flooded	8K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tunica-Sharkey complex, gently undulating	8K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey clay, gently undulating, occasionally flooded	7K	Poorly drained	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.

Inceptisols

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

Vertisols

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

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 84% 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 89% 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.