Lafayette Parish Soil Data
Lafayette Parish, Louisiana
Avg pH
5.8
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana
A silty heart in Acadiana
Lafayette Parish soil sits at a pH of 5.80, which is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 5.74. While it remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5, it is relatively well-balanced for the region.
Silky texture with minimal sand
Silt dominates the landscape at a high 62.7%, while sand makes up only 10.6% of the mix. This results in a fine-textured soil that offers excellent workability and good moisture retention thanks to its 26.7% clay content.
High water capacity despite low organics
The organic matter content is 2.11%, which meets the national average but falls below the state's 6.38% average. However, the available water capacity is strong at 0.196 in/in, outperforming the state benchmark of 0.182 in/in.
Stable moisture for farming
The high silt and clay percentages indicate that the parish's soil is built for retention rather than rapid drainage. This profile supports consistent plant growth by keeping moisture available in the root zone between rains.
Versatile growing in Zone 9a
From backyard vegetables to lush landscapes, the silty soils of zone 9a are highly productive. Adding compost can help boost the organic matter, making this some of the best gardening land in the state.
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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lafayette Parish have?
Lafayette Parish's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 11% sand, 63% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lafayette Parish's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lafayette Parish's soil has a pH of 5.8, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Lafayette Parish?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lafayette Parish.
What crops or plants grow well in Lafayette Parish's soil?
Based on Lafayette Parish's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.8, 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 Lafayette Parish?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lafayette Parish is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lafayette 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.