Catahoula Parish Soil Data
Catahoula Parish, Louisiana
Avg pH
5.6
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana
Silty soils with moderate acidity
Catahoula Parish features an average pH of 5.62, which closely aligns with the Louisiana state average of 5.74. While it falls below the national median of 6.5, it provides a standard environment for regional agriculture. No specific taxonomic order is recorded, but the pH suggests a typical southern alluvial profile.
A silty landscape with low sand
The soil is predominantly silt at 52.1%, with clay making up 29.5% and sand only 18.4%. This high silt concentration creates a fine-textured soil that holds water and nutrients well. However, the lack of sand means the soil may crust over or compact easily under heavy machinery.
State-average water capacity with lower organic matter
Organic matter content is 1.86%, which is lower than the state average of 6.38% but near the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.182 in/in perfectly matches the state average. This suggests that while water availability is reliable, the soil would benefit from biological enhancement.
Consistent moisture in silty profiles
The high silt and clay percentages in Catahoula Parish generally lead to slow natural drainage. While specific hydrologic data is missing for this parish, the texture indicates a high capacity for moisture retention. Management should focus on preventing water stagnation in low-lying fields.
Versatile growing in Zone 8b
Zone 8b provides the heat necessary for local staples like corn and soybeans. The silty, water-retentive soil is excellent for these crops as long as organic levels are boosted over time. With a soil score of 45.3, there is a solid foundation for a productive home garden.
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: Silty Clay Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Catahoula Parish have?
Catahoula Parish's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 18% sand, 52% silt, and 29% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Catahoula Parish's soil acidic or alkaline?
Catahoula Parish's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Catahoula Parish?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Catahoula Parish.
What crops or plants grow well in Catahoula Parish's soil?
Based on Catahoula Parish's Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 5.6, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Catahoula Parish?
The dominant USDA soil order for Catahoula 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.