Rapides Parish, Louisiana
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Rapides Parish, Louisiana.
| 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 |
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.