Tensas Parish Soil Data
Tensas Parish, Louisiana
Avg pH
6.1
Texture
Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Tensas Parish, Louisiana
Sweet Soils of the Delta
Tensas Parish has a pH of 6.12, which is significantly less acidic than the state average of 5.74. This profile is nearing the national median of 6.5, making it excellent for diverse agriculture.
A Heavy Clay Foundation
This soil is heavy on clay at 38.9% and silt at 36.8%, with 24.3% sand. The high clay content makes the soil nutrient-rich but also prone to shrinking and swelling as moisture levels change.
Lower Organic Matter and Water Storage
Organic matter is lower than the state average at 2.26%, though it remains above the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity of 0.152 in/in is below the state average, suggesting a need for irrigation during dry periods.
Heavy Ground Requires Strategic Planning
The high clay percentage typically results in slow water movement through the soil profile. Gardeners should watch for heavy crusting on the surface after rains, which can hinder seedling emergence.
Cotton and Corn Country in Zone 8b
In hardiness zone 8b, these soils are traditionally used for cotton and corn due to their mineral richness. While the soil score is 49.3, adding compost will easily boost its productivity for a backyard vegetable patch.
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 Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Tensas Parish have?
Tensas Parish's soil is classified as Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 37% silt, and 39% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Tensas Parish's soil acidic or alkaline?
Tensas Parish's soil has a pH of 6.1, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Tensas Parish?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Tensas Parish.
What crops or plants grow well in Tensas Parish's soil?
Based on Tensas Parish's Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.1, 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 Tensas Parish?
The dominant USDA soil order for Tensas Parish is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Tensas 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.