Iberia Parish Soil Data

Iberia Parish, Louisiana

Avg 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

Silty Clay Loam
Sand: 9.5%
Silt: 45.8%
Clay: 27.3%
Silty Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4pH
5.43109627332976
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently 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.

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.