St. John the Baptist Parish Soil Data
St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana
Avg pH
6.4
Texture
Clay
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
21.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana
Ideal pH in the Delta
St. John the Baptist Parish has a soil pH of 6.41, which is very close to the national median of 6.5. This makes the soil significantly more balanced than the Louisiana average of 5.74. It is an excellent baseline for almost any type of horticulture or agriculture.
Heavy Clay with High Silt
The soil contains 41.9% clay and 33.5% silt, making for a very fine-textured, heavy earth. With only 5.3% sand, the soil lacks large particles to help with drainage or aeration. This mix is common in river delta regions and provides a massive surface area for nutrient storage.
Extraordinary Fertility and Water Holding
Organic matter is exceptionally high at 21.16%, which is nearly ten times the national average. This high organic content drives a superior available water capacity of 0.221 in/in, well above the state average of 0.182 in/in. This soil is naturally 'pre-fertilized' and holds moisture exceptionally well.
Wetland Characteristics and High Runoff
Though specific classes are missing, the massive organic matter and clay content suggest very slow drainage. These soils likely stay saturated for much of the year, behaving much like a rich peat or muck. Gardeners should use raised beds to ensure proper aeration for plant root systems.
Tropical Growth in Zone 9b
In zone 9b, the long, hot summers and mild winters allow for lush tropical gardens and productive vegetable patches. The high organic matter is perfect for growing bananas, elephant ears, and heavy-fruiting tomatoes. With such rich soil, your garden will be the envy of the neighborhood.
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. John the Baptist Parish have?
St. John the Baptist Parish's soil is classified as Clay. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 5% sand, 34% silt, and 42% clay. Clay soils retain water and nutrients but can have drainage challenges.
Is St. John the Baptist Parish's soil acidic or alkaline?
St. John the Baptist Parish's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for St. John the Baptist Parish?
Drainage class data is not currently available for St. John the Baptist Parish.
What crops or plants grow well in St. John the Baptist Parish's soil?
Based on St. John the Baptist Parish's Clay texture, pH of 6.4, 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. John the Baptist Parish?
The dominant USDA soil order for St. John the Baptist 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.