St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
The dominant drainage class is Poorly 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 St. Landry Parish, Louisiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded, deltaic plain | 53K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gallion silt loam | 52K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Frost silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 31K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lebeau clay, occasionally flooded | 31K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lebeau clay | 29K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Baldwin silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 27K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Baldwin-Sharkey complex, gently undulating | 23K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Patoutville silt, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dowling clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, deltaic plain | 23K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 22K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee silt loam | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Patoutville-Crowley complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jeanerette silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coteau silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, deltaic plain | 15K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Convent very fine sandy loam, gently undulating | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calhoun silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tensas-Sharkey complex, gently undulating | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Memphis silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 11K | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 79% 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 84% 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.