Caldwell County Soil Data
Caldwell County, Kentucky
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.9
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Caldwell County, Kentucky
Acidic Profiles with a Kentucky Lean
Caldwell County soils feature an average pH of 5.90, sitting just above the state average of 5.80. While it is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, the land maintains a solid soil score of 59.1. Information on taxonomic order remains unavailable for this region.
A Heavily Silted Ground
The soil composition is dominated by 68.6% silt, creating a smooth texture that is easy to work. With 20.2% clay and 11.2% sand, this mix suggests good nutrient retention though it may require careful management to avoid compaction.
High Water Capacity, Lower Organic Matter
At 2.02%, the organic matter content falls well below the state average of 3.55%. However, the available water capacity of 0.199 in/in exceeds the state benchmark of 0.186, helping crops survive dry spells.
Managing the Flow
Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently recorded in the local dataset. Given the high silt content, farmers should monitor for surface crusting during heavy rains to ensure proper moisture penetration.
Thriving in Zone 7a
The county sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, a sweet spot for long-season vegetables and hearty grains. Grab your shovel and start a garden, as these silt-heavy soils provide a reliable foundation for your backyard harvest.
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 5.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Caldwell County have?
Caldwell County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 11% sand, 69% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Caldwell County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Caldwell County's soil has a pH of 5.9, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Caldwell County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Caldwell County.
What crops or plants grow well in Caldwell County's soil?
Based on Caldwell County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.9, 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 Caldwell County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Caldwell County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Caldwell County
Soil Verdict
Caldwell 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
Caldwell County closely matches the Kentucky average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Caldwell 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.