Lafayette Parish, Louisiana
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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.
| 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 |
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.