Grant Parish, Louisiana

Survey Area LA043• Louisiana

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Grant 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
Smithdale fine sandy loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	67K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ruston fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	55K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Guyton and Cascilla soils, frequently flooded	41K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Glenmora silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	30K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Malbis fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	30K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cadeville very fine sandy loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	29K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Caddo silt loam	18K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gore silt loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	18K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	15K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Ruston-Smithdale association, moderately rolling	12K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Cadeville very fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Una silty clay, frequently flooded	9K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Metcalf very fine sandy loam	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Guyton silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	7K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gore silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes, moist	7K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kolin silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Moreland clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rigolette-Kisatchie association, hilly	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ruston-Cadeville association, moderately rolling	5K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat 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.

Ultisols

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

Vertisols

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

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 52% 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 91% 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.