Lafayette Parish, Louisiana

Survey Area LA055• Louisiana

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Lafayette 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
Frost silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	37K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Patoutville silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	24K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Coteau silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	23K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Memphis silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Jeanerette silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	15K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Memphis silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Mowata-Frost complex	6K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Coteau silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Frost silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	4K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Baldwin silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	3K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Judice silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	3K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded, deltaic plain	3K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Iberia silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	3K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Crowley silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dowling clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, deltaic plain	2K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, deltaic plain	2K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Acy silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, (southwestern loess terrace plains)	2K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	2K			Not rated	Not rated
Memphis silt loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Coteau-Frost complex, gently undulating	2K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	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.

Mollisols

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

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 80% 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 80% 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.