Madison Parish, Louisiana
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Madison Parish, Louisiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded, south | 171K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tensas-Sharkey complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, gently undulating | 60K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey-Tunica complex, gently undulating | 27K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 25K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Commerce silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dundee silty clay loam | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tunica clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tensas silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee-Sharkey complex, gently undulating | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Commerce silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bruin and Commerce soils, frequently flooded | 11K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey and Tunica soils, frequently flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee silt loam | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bruin silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey silty clay loam | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Commerce silty clay loam, gently undulating | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey clay, undulating | 2K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey soils, frequently flooded | 2K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udipsamments | 1K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% 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 94% 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.