Red River Parish, Louisiana
The most common soil here is Guyton, on about 11% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Moreland and Ruston come next.
About 34% of the land drains well, and 38% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 46% of it.
USDA rates 72% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 61% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 13% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Red River Parish, Louisiana, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 61% 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 72% 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.