West Carroll Parish Soil Data
West Carroll Parish, Louisiana
Avg pH
5.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in West Carroll Parish, Louisiana
Silt-Heavy Northern Soils
West Carroll Parish has an average soil pH of 5.50, which is more acidic than the national median but fairly typical for northern Louisiana. The soil score of 48.9 indicates moderate productivity, supported by a unique taxonomic profile. This level of acidity requires monitoring for growers focusing on sensitive specialty crops.
The Silt Capital
Silt dominates the landscape at 64.1%, paired with 23.4% clay and a very low 12.5% sand. This high silt content makes the soil feel floury when dry and slippery when wet, providing excellent mineral richness. It offers great workability but can be prone to erosion if left uncovered.
High Water Retention
Organic matter sits at 1.78%, which is slightly below the national average and significantly lower than the state's 6.38% average. However, the available water capacity is quite high at 0.197 in/in, beating the state average of 0.182 in/in. This means the soil is excellent at storing moisture for crops during dry intervals.
Managing the Water Table
Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable, but the high silt and clay levels suggest slow to moderate permeability. The high water capacity is a boon for agriculture but can lead to muddy conditions in residential yards. Managing surface runoff is key to maintaining soil health here.
Gardening Success in Zone 8b
West Carroll is in Zone 8b, making it suitable for traditional Southern staples like pecans and sweet potatoes. The silty soil is particularly good for root vegetables that appreciate a fine, stone-free texture. With consistent organic additions, this soil can become a powerhouse for your home 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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does West Carroll Parish have?
West Carroll Parish's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 13% sand, 64% silt, and 23% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is West Carroll Parish's soil acidic or alkaline?
West Carroll Parish's soil has a pH of 5.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for West Carroll Parish?
Drainage class data is not currently available for West Carroll Parish.
What crops or plants grow well in West Carroll Parish's soil?
Based on West Carroll Parish's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.5, 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 West Carroll Parish?
The dominant USDA soil order for West Carroll 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.