St. James Parish, Louisiana

Survey Area LA093• Louisiana

The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 St. James 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
Barbary soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	67K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cancienne silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	19K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Schriever clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	17K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Schriever clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	15K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gramercy silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	11K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	8K			Not rated	Not rated
Cancienne silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Vacherie very fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Carville silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Urban and built up land	3K			Not rated	Not rated
Carville and Cancienne soils, gently undulating, frequently flooded	2K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Industrial waste	1K			Not rated	Not rated
Levees-Borrow pits complex, 0 to 25 percent slopes	1K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Not rated	Not rated
Thibaut clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	997	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.

Inceptisols

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

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 75% 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 91% 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.