Tensas Parish, Louisiana
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat 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 Tensas Parish, Louisiana.
| 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 |
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.