West Carroll Parish, Louisiana
The most common soil here is Calhoun, on about 36% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Grenada and Sharkey come next.
About 2% of the land drains well, and 46% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 87% of it.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 87% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in West Carroll Parish, Louisiana, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Carroll 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grenada-Calhoun silt loams complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 112K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calhoun silt loam | 36K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dundee-Dubbs complex | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sharkey clay | 18K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calhoun-Calloway complex | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Forestdale silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded, upland phase | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Perry clay | 4K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Memphis silt loam, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Dexter silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Commerce silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 1K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Memphis silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Foley silt loam | 1K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenada silt loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 934 | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calloway silt loam | 417 | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deerford silt loam | 139 | Somewhat 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% 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 98% 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.