Adair County Soil Data
Adair County, Kentucky
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Adair County, Kentucky
Acidic and Silty Adair Soils
Adair County soil has a pH of 5.51, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This level also falls below the Kentucky state average of 5.80, requiring lime for most garden crops.
A Dominance of Silt
The soil contains 60.3% silt, 20.1% sand, and 19.6% clay. This high silt content provides a smooth texture but makes the ground susceptible to compaction under heavy machinery or foot traffic.
Managing Moderate Fertility
Organic matter measures 1.81%, trailing the state average of 3.55% significantly. However, the available water capacity of 0.186 in/in matches the Kentucky state average exactly, ensuring decent moisture retention.
Navigating Local Water Flow
Specific drainage class data is unavailable for this area, but the overall soil score of 44.8 is lower than the state average of 56.2. Farmers should prioritize soil health improvements to boost agricultural productivity.
Southern Kentucky Growing Power
Hardiness zone 7a allows for a long growing season that favors heat-loving summer vegetables. Start a garden with tomatoes or peppers to take advantage of the generous local sunshine.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Adair County have?
Adair County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 60% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Adair County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Adair County'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 Adair County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Adair County.
What crops or plants grow well in Adair County's soil?
Based on Adair County'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 Adair County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Adair County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Adair County
Soil Verdict
Adair County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Adair County closely matches the Kentucky average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Adair County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Kentucky
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.