Caldwell Parish Soil Data
Caldwell Parish, Louisiana
Avg pH
5.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.1%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Caldwell Parish, Louisiana
Acidic silts of the Ouachita basin
Caldwell Parish reports an average pH of 5.43, placing it below the state average of 5.74 and the national median of 6.5. This acidic profile is typical for the region's alluvial and upland landscapes. Without taxonomic data, we focus on this pH level as a primary indicator for necessary soil conditioning.
A balanced mix of silt and clay
The soil contains 47.7% silt and 25.6% clay, providing a heavier texture than many upland parishes. Sand makes up 26.7% of the composition, helping slightly with aeration. This mix creates a soil that is relatively nutrient-dense but prone to slow drainage and compaction.
Moderate fertility with room to grow
The organic matter content stands at 2.14%, which is above the national average but far below the state average of 6.38%. Available water capacity is 0.177 in/in, nearly matching the Louisiana average of 0.182 in/in. These figures suggest that while the soil holds water effectively, it lacks the biological richness found elsewhere in the state.
Slow infiltration and high runoff risk
This parish is dominated by Hydrologic Group D, indicating soils that have a very slow infiltration rate. These conditions often lead to high surface runoff during Louisiana's heavy rain events. Land management here requires careful attention to drainage systems to prevent waterlogging.
Thriving in the humid Zone 8b
Caldwell Parish resides in Zone 8b, where long summers favor crops like sweet potatoes and cotton. The silty texture provides a stable home for fruit trees and hardy shrubs. Gardeners should focus on adding compost to improve the current soil score of 42.8.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Caldwell Parish have?
Caldwell Parish's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 27% sand, 48% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Caldwell Parish's soil acidic or alkaline?
Caldwell Parish's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Caldwell Parish?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Caldwell Parish.
What crops or plants grow well in Caldwell Parish's soil?
Based on Caldwell Parish's Loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Caldwell Parish?
The dominant USDA soil order for Caldwell Parish is not currently available in our dataset.
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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.