Lafourche Parish Soil Data
Lafourche Parish, Louisiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.0
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
23.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana
Louisiana's most fertile delta soils
Lafourche Parish earns a high Soil Score of 87.0 with an average pH of 6.01. This is the closest to the national median of 6.5 among its neighbors, providing a superior foundation for diverse plant life.
Heavy clay and alluvial silt
The soil is incredibly dense, consisting of 37.9% clay and only 7.1% sand. This composition creates a firm, heavy ground that excels at holding onto vital minerals and nutrients for long-term growth.
Premier organic and water levels
Organic matter reaches 23.49%, nearly four times the state average of 6.38%. This leads to an available water capacity of 0.226 in/in, the highest in the region and far above the state average of 0.182 in/in.
Slow drainage in rich wetlands
The high clay and organic content mean these soils are naturally designed to hold water. While specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the data suggests a landscape that requires careful drainage management for construction or farming.
Bountiful growth in Zone 9b
This parish is a gardener's paradise where zone 9b allows for year-round production of many crops. The soil is so rich that many plants will thrive with minimal extra fertilizer.
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
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lafourche Parish have?
Lafourche Parish's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 7% sand, 28% silt, and 38% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lafourche Parish's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lafourche Parish's soil has a pH of 6.0, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Lafourche Parish?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lafourche Parish.
What crops or plants grow well in Lafourche Parish's soil?
Based on Lafourche Parish's Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.0, 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 Lafourche Parish?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lafourche Parish is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lafourche Parish
Soil Verdict
Lafourche 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
Lafourche Parish closely matches the Louisiana average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 9b-10a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lafourche 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.