St. Landry Parish Soil Data
St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.9
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Moderately Acidic Soils in St. Landry
St. Landry Parish features an average pH of 5.91, which is more alkaline than the Louisiana average of 5.74. While it remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5, this level is suitable for many regional row crops.
Silt-Heavy Soils Require Careful Management
The soil composition is dominated by 58.9% silt and 27.2% clay, with very little sand at 13.9%. This heavy mix provides excellent nutrient retention but can become compacted if worked while wet.
Resilient Water Capacity Meets National Norms
Organic matter sits at 2.00%, matching the national average though trailing the state's high 6.38% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.190 in/in exceeds the state average, offering crops better protection during dry spells.
Managing Runoff in Silty Landscapes
While specific drainage class data is limited for this area, the 27.2% clay content suggests moderate to slow permeability. Farmers and builders should focus on surface drainage to manage Louisiana's heavy rainfall.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 9a
The long growing season in zone 9a makes this soil ideal for heat-tolerant crops like sweet potatoes and peppers. With a soil score of 55.2, you have a reliable foundation to start your home garden today.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does St. Landry Parish have?
St. Landry Parish's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 14% sand, 59% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is St. Landry Parish's soil acidic or alkaline?
St. Landry Parish's soil has a pH of 5.9, 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. Landry Parish?
Drainage class data is not currently available for St. Landry Parish.
What crops or plants grow well in St. Landry Parish's soil?
Based on St. Landry Parish's Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 5.9, 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. Landry Parish?
The dominant USDA soil order for St. Landry Parish is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: St. Landry Parish
Soil Verdict
St. Landry Parish is in USDA hardiness zone 9a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 20°F. Warm winters keep soil biology active nearly year-round, accelerating decomposition but increasing pest and disease pressure in topsoil.
Planting Guidance
Tropical and subtropical plants are viable. Year-round gardening is possible, though summer heat may limit some cool-season crops. Frost is rare; tender plants can overwinter with minimal protection. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Rapid organic matter turnover means soils can become nutrient-poor quickly; test annually and fertilize based on results. High soil temperatures favor certain soilborne pathogens; practice crop rotation and avoid overwatering.
Regional Context
St. Landry Parish closely matches the Louisiana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for St. Landry 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.