Terrebonne Parish Soil Data
Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Clay
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
30.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana
The Organic Richness of Terrebonne
Terrebonne's soil pH is 5.44, slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.74. These coastal soils are heavily influenced by organic accumulation and proximity to the Gulf.
Clay-Dominant Coastal Muck
The composition is 40.7% clay and 20.5% silt, with only 5.1% sand. This makes for a dense, heavy soil that retains moisture and minerals extremely well but lacks traditional aeration.
Unrivaled Organic Matter Levels
At 30.02% organic matter, these soils are nearly five times richer than the state average of 6.38%. This extreme fertility is reflected in a high available water capacity of 0.252 in/in.
Saturated Soils and High Water Tables
The high clay content and low elevation mean these soils stay wet for long periods. Careful drainage management is required for any project, as the soil can hold vast amounts of water.
Subtropical Success in Zone 9b
The warm 9b climate and a soil score of 77.6 make this a haven for water-loving native plants and citrus. Start a garden to take advantage of some of the most organic-rich soil in the nation.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Terrebonne Parish have?
Terrebonne Parish's soil is classified as Clay. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 5% sand, 21% silt, and 41% clay. Clay soils retain water and nutrients but can have drainage challenges.
Is Terrebonne Parish's soil acidic or alkaline?
Terrebonne Parish's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Terrebonne Parish?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Terrebonne Parish.
What crops or plants grow well in Terrebonne Parish's soil?
Based on Terrebonne Parish's Clay texture, pH of 5.4, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, wetland plants and crops tolerant of slow drainage.
What USDA soil order is found in Terrebonne Parish?
The dominant USDA soil order for Terrebonne Parish is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Terrebonne Parish
Soil Verdict
Terrebonne Parish is in USDA hardiness zone 9b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 25°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
Terrebonne Parish closely matches the Louisiana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Terrebonne 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.