De Soto Parish Soil Data
De Soto Parish, Louisiana
Avg pH
5.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in De Soto Parish, Louisiana
Acidic upland soils of West Louisiana
De Soto Parish reports an average pH of 5.55, which is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.74. Compared to the national median of 6.5, these soils require regular monitoring for acidity. Most native timber thrives here, but vegetable gardens will benefit from pH adjustments.
Sandy loam with moderate silt
The soil composition is 46.0% sand, 36.2% silt, and 17.8% clay. This relatively high sand content provides good aeration and makes the soil easier to work than the heavy clays found further south. It is a classic upland mix that drains reasonably well under normal conditions.
Lower organic matter and water storage
Organic matter stands at 1.58%, trailing both the national average and the state average of 6.38%. The available water capacity is 0.152 in/in, which is lower than the state mean of 0.182 in/in. These metrics suggest the soil may struggle to support crops during late-summer dry spells without help.
Group D classification warns of runoff
Despite the sandy texture, this parish is listed in Hydrologic Group D, indicating low infiltration and high runoff. This often points to subsurface clay pans that trap water or cause it to slide off slopes. Managing surface water is key to preventing erosion in this landscape.
Endless summers in Zone 8b
In Zone 8b, the climate is ideal for peppers, tomatoes, and melons. The sandy soil is a great start for root crops like carrots if the organic matter is boosted. Although the soil score is 32.2, consistent composting can rapidly improve your garden's success.
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 De Soto Parish have?
De Soto Parish's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 46% sand, 36% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is De Soto Parish's soil acidic or alkaline?
De Soto Parish's soil has a pH of 5.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for De Soto Parish?
Drainage class data is not currently available for De Soto Parish.
What crops or plants grow well in De Soto Parish's soil?
Based on De Soto Parish's Loam texture, pH of 5.5, 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 De Soto Parish?
The dominant USDA soil order for De Soto Parish is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for De Soto 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.