Rapides Parish Soil Data
Rapides Parish, Louisiana
Avg pH
5.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Rapides Parish, Louisiana
Balanced Acidity in Central Louisiana
Rapides Parish exactly matches the Louisiana state average with a soil pH of 5.74. While it is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, it remains a standard and manageable profile for the Gulf Coast.
A Diverse Textural Blend
The soil contains 41.6% silt, 35.8% sand, and 22.6% clay. This relatively even distribution provides a good balance of drainage from the sand and nutrient holding capacity from the clay and silt.
Moderate Nutrient Potential
Organic matter is measured at 1.73%, slightly below the national average. The available water capacity of 0.167 in/in is also slightly lower than the state average, meaning consistent watering may be necessary during dry spells.
High Runoff Risks
Classified in hydrologic group D, the soil suffers from very slow infiltration and high runoff potential. This can lead to erosion on sloped land or localized ponding in flat areas during heavy Louisiana thunderstorms.
Gardening in Zone 9a
The long, hot summers of Zone 9a favor sweet potatoes and okra. Gardeners should use mulch to help the soil retain moisture, given the lower available water capacity and organic matter levels.
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 Rapides Parish have?
Rapides Parish's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 36% sand, 42% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Rapides Parish's soil acidic or alkaline?
Rapides Parish's soil has a pH of 5.7, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Rapides Parish?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Rapides Parish.
What crops or plants grow well in Rapides Parish's soil?
Based on Rapides Parish's Loam texture, pH of 5.7, 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 Rapides Parish?
The dominant USDA soil order for Rapides Parish is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Rapides 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.