West Baton Rouge Parish, Lousiana
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 West Baton Rouge Parish, Lousiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded, deltaic plain | 54K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Commerce silty clay loam | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Commerce silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Robinsonville and Commerce soils, occasionally flooded | 10K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Convent silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tunica clay | 3K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vacherie silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey silty clay loam | 2K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bruin very fine sandy loam | 1K | Moderately well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dowling clay, frequently flooded | 555 | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Commerce silty clay loam, occasionally flooded | 433 | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, deltaic plain | 137 | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 86 | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Commerce silty clay loam, gently undulating | 75 | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey-Tunica complex, gently undulating | 47 | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mhoon silty clay loam | 28 | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% 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.