St. Bernard Parish Soil Data
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana
Avg pH
6.7
Texture
Clay
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
15.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana
Neutral and Rich Delta Soils
St. Bernard Parish boasts a soil pH of 6.71, which is higher than the state average of 5.74 and even exceeds the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity is ideal for most plants, allowing for maximum nutrient availability. It represents some of the most chemically balanced soil in the region.
Heavy Clay and Low Sand
The soil is dominated by 43.2% clay and contains only 10.0% sand, making it a heavy, dense medium. This high clay content provides excellent nutrient retention but makes the soil difficult to till when wet. The 30.2% silt helps slightly with texture, but clay defines the landscape.
Exceptional Organic Wealth
Organic matter is a staggering 15.74%, far exceeding the state average of 6.38% and the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.210 in/in, this soil is a powerhouse of potential fertility. The high organic content suggests a history of rich alluvial or marsh deposits.
Water-Retentive and Dense
While hydrologic group and drainage class data are not recorded, the high clay and organic content point toward extreme water retention. These soils stay wet longer after rain, which can be a challenge for building foundations or sensitive plant roots. Site planning must account for this persistent moisture.
Abundance in Zone 9b
Zone 9b allows for a nearly year-round growing season for citrus, figs, and tropical ornamentals. The rich, organic soil is perfect for heavy feeders like tomatoes and leafy greens. Your garden will thrive in this nutrient-dense coastal environment with very little supplemental 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: Clay
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does St. Bernard Parish have?
St. Bernard Parish's soil is classified as Clay. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 10% sand, 30% silt, and 43% clay. Clay soils retain water and nutrients but can have drainage challenges.
Is St. Bernard Parish's soil acidic or alkaline?
St. Bernard Parish's soil has a pH of 6.7, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for St. Bernard Parish?
Drainage class data is not currently available for St. Bernard Parish.
What crops or plants grow well in St. Bernard Parish's soil?
Based on St. Bernard Parish's Clay texture, pH of 6.7, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, wetland plants and crops tolerant of slow drainage.
What USDA soil order is found in St. Bernard Parish?
The dominant USDA soil order for St. Bernard Parish is not currently available in our dataset.
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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.