Washington Parish, Louisiana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Washington Parish, Louisiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 79K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ouachita, Bibb, and Jena soils, frequently flooded | 68K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruston fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 60K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ruston fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Savannah fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myatt fine sandy loam, frequently flooded | 21K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arkabutla, Rosebloom, and Jena soils, frequently flooded | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Prentiss fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stough fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cahaba fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Myatt fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bassfield sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Prentiss fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tangi silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Arat muck | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pits | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Fluker silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 64% 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 77% 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.