Red River Parish, Louisiana

Survey Area LA081• 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 Red River 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 association, sloping	38K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	24K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Guyton association, frequently flooded	20K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Guyton-Messer association	19K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Malbis-Beauregard association, gently sloping	17K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Shatta association, gently sloping	14K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	13K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Armistead clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hallsummit-Malbis association, 3 to 8 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Buxin clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	10K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kolin-Wrightsville association	9K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Falkner-Boswell association, gently sloping	8K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Severn very fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, gently undulating, frequently flooded	7K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Caspiana silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Severn very fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, gently undulating, occasionally flooded	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Gore-McKamie association, sloping	5K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Caspiana silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Coushatta silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Boswell-Falkner association, sloping	4K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Moreland clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded	4K	Somewhat 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.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

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 poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 71% 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.