Ouachita 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 Ouachita Parish, Louisiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruston-Lucy association, hilly | 53K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Perry clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, Arkansas River | 49K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guyton-Rosebloom complex, frequently flooded | 33K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruston-Lucy association, undulating | 27K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hebert silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frizzell silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 21K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Portland silt loam | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cadeville association, hilly | 15K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ora-Savannah association, gently rolling | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sterlington silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rilla silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Perry clay, frequently flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Providence silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Portland clay | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guyton association | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barclay-Rosebloom complex, occasionally flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kirvin-Ruston association, rolling | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waller loam | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alligator clay, frequently flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 59% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 65% 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.