Iberia Parish Soil Data
Iberia Parish, Louisiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
9.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Iberia Parish, Louisiana
The richest soil score in the region
Iberia Parish earns an impressive soil score of 71.8, far exceeding the state average of 54.6. Though its pH of 5.43 is acidic, the overall nutrient and structural quality of this soil is exceptional.
Dense silts and clays with low sand
With only 9.5% sand, this soil is dominated by 45.8% silt and 27.3% clay. This creates a heavy, rich earth that is excellent at holding onto the parish's high volume of organic nutrients.
Massive organic matter and water capacity
Iberia Parish leads with a staggering 9.68% organic matter, nearly five times the national average. This is paired with a high water capacity of 0.213 in/in, making it some of the most fertile ground in the South.
Naturally saturated coastal plains
Official drainage classes are missing, but the high organic matter and low sand suggest a landscape that stays damp. The soil is designed to hold moisture, which is ideal for wetland-adapted agriculture.
Sugarcane and tropicals in Zone 9b
Zone 9b's warmth combined with elite soil fertility makes this the heart of sugarcane country. Whether you're growing citrus or peppers, the incredible organic content of Iberia will fuel a massive harvest.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Iberia Parish have?
Iberia Parish's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 10% sand, 46% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Iberia Parish's soil acidic or alkaline?
Iberia 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 Iberia Parish?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Iberia Parish.
What crops or plants grow well in Iberia Parish's soil?
Based on Iberia Parish's Silty Clay 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 Iberia Parish?
The dominant USDA soil order for Iberia Parish is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Iberia Parish
Soil Verdict
Iberia Parish is in USDA hardiness zone 9b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 25°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
Iberia 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 Iberia 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.