Ouachita Parish, Louisiana

Survey Area LA073• Louisiana

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Ouachita 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
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

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.

Inceptisols

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

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.