Ouachita Parish Soil Data
Ouachita Parish, Louisiana
Avg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana
Strongly Acidic Uplands
Ouachita Parish features an average pH of 5.29, making it significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This low pH is a defining characteristic that influences what can grow without significant intervention.
Silty Loams with Moderate Sand
The soil contains 48.4% silt and 32.0% sand, providing a balanced texture that is generally easier to work than pure clay. With 19.6% clay, it offers enough structure to hold nutrients without becoming an impenetrable brick.
Limited Water Storage
Organic matter sits at 1.89%, slightly under the 2.0% national benchmark. Its available water capacity of 0.173 in/in is below the state average of 0.182, suggesting a need for supplemental irrigation during Louisiana's hot summers.
High Risk of Runoff
Belonging to hydrologic group D, these soils have a high runoff potential and very slow infiltration rates. This can lead to standing water after heavy rains, making drainage management a priority for homeowners.
Zone 8b Gardening Tips
Ouachita is perfect for pine silviculture and acid-loving berries. For a successful vegetable garden in Zone 8b, consider using raised beds to bypass the high runoff and acidic nature of the native earth.
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 Ouachita Parish have?
Ouachita Parish's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 32% sand, 48% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Ouachita Parish's soil acidic or alkaline?
Ouachita Parish's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Ouachita Parish?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Ouachita Parish.
What crops or plants grow well in Ouachita Parish's soil?
Based on Ouachita Parish's Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Ouachita Parish?
The dominant USDA soil order for Ouachita Parish is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Ouachita 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.