Richland Parish, Louisiana

Survey Area LA083• 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 Richland 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
Perry clay	33K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilbert silt loam	30K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gigger-Gilbert silt loams, gently undulating	22K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilbert-Egypt silt loams, gently undulating	21K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Necessity-Gilbert silt loams, gently undulating	20K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Forestdale silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded, upland phase	18K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Grenada-Calhoun silt loams complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	17K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rilla-Hebert silt loams complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Dexter silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Perry clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, Arkansas River	14K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hebert silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	13K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rilla silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Forestdale silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slope, occasionally flooded, upland phase	11K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Portland clay	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Portland silty clay loam	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Calhoun silt loam	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sterlington-Hebert silt loams, gently undulating	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Hebert silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	6K			Not rated	Not rated
Foley silt loam	6K	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.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 80% 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 85% 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.