Tensas Parish, Louisiana

Survey Area LA107• Louisiana

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat 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 Tensas 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
Tensas-Sharkey clays, 0 to 3 percent slopes, gently undulating	111K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded, south	97K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey, Newellton, and Tunica soils, gently undulating, frequently flooded	23K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	22K			Not rated	Not rated
Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	20K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tensas-Sharkey-Dundee complex, gently undulating	19K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tensas clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes	13K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Commerce silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Dowling clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	11K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sharkey-Dowling clays, 0 to 3 percent slopes	11K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Crevasse and Bruno soils, gently undulating, frequently flooded	8K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Bruin-Commerce silt loams, gently undulating	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sharkey-Tunica-Newellton complex, gently undulating	7K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bruin silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Levees-Borrow pits complex, nearly level to strongly sloping	6K			Not rated	Not rated
Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	6K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dundee silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Commerce and Bruin soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Dundee silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Dundee-Goldman complex, gently undulating	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Somewhat 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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 83% 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 92% 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.