Union Parish, Louisiana

Survey Area LA111• Louisiana

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Union 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
Ruston fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	62K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Darley gravelly fine sandy loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	55K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Iuka-Dela complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	40K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Guyton silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	36K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Darley gravelly fine sandy loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sacul very fine sandy loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	30K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Smithdale fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kirvin fine sandy loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Malbis fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	22K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sacul very fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	19K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	19K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Litro clay, frequently flooded	17K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kirvin fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Libuse silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	16K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Savannah fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Mahan fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Frizzell silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	12K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sawyer silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Groom silty clay loam, frequently flooded	11K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Groom silt loam, occasionally flooded	10K	Poorly drained	C/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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Alfisols

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

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 43% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 96% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.