Rapides Parish, Louisiana

Survey Area LA079• Louisiana

The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Rapides 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
Guyton-Ouachita complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	66K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Coushatta silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	63K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Beauregard silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	62K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Malbis fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	57K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ruston fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	55K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	51K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	38K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gore very fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	35K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gore very fine sandy loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	35K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	32K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Kolin silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	29K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Caddo silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	22K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ruston fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Latanier clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	21K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vick silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	21K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Smithdale fine sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Kisatchie-Cadeville association, hilly	17K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Coushatta silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Glenmora silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	12K	Moderately well 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.

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.

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 61% 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 76% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.