St. James Parish Soil Data
St. James Parish, Louisiana
Avg pH
6.8
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
6.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in St. James Parish, Louisiana
Optimally Balanced River Soils
St. James Parish features an average pH of 6.79, making it some of the least acidic soil in Louisiana. This value is higher than the national median of 6.5, creating a near-perfect environment for nutrient uptake. It is far more neutral than the state average of 5.74, reducing the need for chemical adjustments.
A Balance of Silt and Clay
The soil is comprised of 45.6% silt and 37.2% clay, with very little sand at 7.6%. This creates a heavy, loamy texture that is excellent for retaining fertility and supporting large plants like sugarcane. It is a dense soil that requires power to till but rewards the effort with productivity.
High Organic Matter and Capacity
With organic matter at 6.64%, the parish exceeds the state average of 6.38% and triples the national average. Despite this high organic content, the available water capacity is slightly lower than the state average at 0.171 in/in. This suggests a soil that is rich in nutrients but may require consistent irrigation.
Dense Soils with Slow Movement
While official drainage classes are not provided, the high clay and silt percentages indicate slow water movement. These soils are prone to staying wet, which is common for the alluvial plains along the Mississippi River. Effective water management is key for both agricultural and residential landscaping.
Sugar and Spice in Zone 9a
The rich, neutral soils of zone 9a are world-famous for supporting sugarcane and Perique tobacco. Home gardeners will find great success with citrus trees and heavy-feeding summer vegetables. This is some of the most fertile land in the state, so plant with confidence.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does St. James Parish have?
St. James Parish's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 8% sand, 46% silt, and 37% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is St. James Parish's soil acidic or alkaline?
St. James Parish's soil has a pH of 6.8, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for St. James Parish?
Drainage class data is not currently available for St. James Parish.
What crops or plants grow well in St. James Parish's soil?
Based on St. James Parish's Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.8, 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 St. James Parish?
The dominant USDA soil order for St. James 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.