Calcasieu Parish Soil Data
Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
8.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana
Strongly acidic soils in the coastal plain
Calcasieu Parish has an average pH of 5.24, making it notably more acidic than the state average of 5.74 and the national median of 6.5. This low pH profile is common in coastal regions but requires careful management for traditional gardening. While taxonomic details are sparse, the chemical signature favors acid-loving native plants.
Silt-heavy soil with low sand content
Silt dominates the composition here at 47.0%, while sand accounts for only 25.5% of the mix. This 18.8% clay balance creates a texture that feels smooth and holds moisture well, though it can become easily compacted. The high silt percentage offers a good foundation for workability if handled at the right moisture levels.
Rich organic matter exceeds state benchmarks
With an impressive organic matter content of 8.15%, Calcasieu outperforms the Louisiana average of 6.38% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.201 in/in is also higher than the state mean, providing excellent drought resistance. This rich biological profile drives a strong soil score of 62.4.
Excellent water retention in coastal soils
The combination of high organic matter and silt provides this parish with superior water-holding capabilities. Specific hydrologic groups and drainage classes are not currently recorded in the local dataset. However, the high available water capacity suggests these soils remain moist longer than those in neighboring parishes.
Abundant growth in subtropical Zone 9a
Located in Zone 9a, Calcasieu Parish enjoys a warm climate where citrus and azaleas thrive in the naturally acidic soil. The high organic content supports vigorous vegetable growth, especially for moisture-loving crops. Take advantage of this fertile ground by planting a variety of summer squashes and leafy greens.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Calcasieu Parish have?
Calcasieu Parish's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 47% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Calcasieu Parish's soil acidic or alkaline?
Calcasieu Parish's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Calcasieu Parish?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Calcasieu Parish.
What crops or plants grow well in Calcasieu Parish's soil?
Based on Calcasieu Parish's Loam texture, pH of 5.2, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Calcasieu Parish?
The dominant USDA soil order for Calcasieu Parish is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Calcasieu Parish
Soil Verdict
Calcasieu Parish is in USDA hardiness zone 9a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 20°F. Warm winters keep soil biology active nearly year-round, accelerating decomposition but increasing pest and disease pressure in topsoil.
Planting Guidance
Tropical and subtropical plants are viable. Year-round gardening is possible, though summer heat may limit some cool-season crops. Frost is rare; tender plants can overwinter with minimal protection. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Rapid organic matter turnover means soils can become nutrient-poor quickly; test annually and fertilize based on results. High soil temperatures favor certain soilborne pathogens; practice crop rotation and avoid overwatering.
Regional Context
Calcasieu Parish closely matches the Louisiana average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 9a-9b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Calcasieu Parish on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Louisiana
Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.