Washington Parish Soil Data
Washington Parish, Louisiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Washington Parish, Louisiana
Washington's Acidic Soil Profile
Washington Parish features highly acidic soil with an average pH of 5.13, nearly 1.4 points lower than the national median. This acidity is a defining trait of the region's soil identity and impacts which nutrients are available to plants. The overall soil score of 44.3 suggests moderate agricultural potential that requires specific management.
Sandy Texture and Easy Tilth
The soil is 51.1% sand and 35.1% silt, with a very low clay fraction of just 9.4%. This makes the soil light and easy to till, but it lacks the natural nutrient-holding capacity that clay provides. Gardeners will notice that water moves through the topsoil rapidly.
Moderate Organic Matter Levels
At 4.40%, organic matter in Washington Parish is higher than the national average of 2.0% but lower than the Louisiana state average of 6.38%. The available water capacity of 0.171 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.182 in/in. These numbers indicate a soil that responds well to fertilization and regular mulching.
Hydrology and Water Movement
While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the high sand percentage suggests naturally fast drainage in the upper layers. Homeowners should plan for consistent watering during the peak of summer to compensate for the soil's moderate water capacity. Proper site grading is essential for preventing erosion in these lighter soils.
Opportunities in Zone 9a
Washington Parish resides in Zone 9a, where mild winters allow for year-round cultivation. The acidic soil is perfect for acid-loving plants like azaleas, camellias, and blueberries. With a little lime to balance the pH, you can grow a diverse and lush Southern garden.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Washington Parish have?
Washington Parish's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 51% sand, 35% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Washington Parish's soil acidic or alkaline?
Washington Parish's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Washington Parish?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Washington Parish.
What crops or plants grow well in Washington Parish's soil?
Based on Washington Parish's Loam texture, pH of 5.1, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Washington Parish?
The dominant USDA soil order for Washington Parish is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Washington Parish
Soil Verdict
Washington 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
Washington Parish closely matches the Louisiana average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 8b-9a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Washington 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.