Crittenden County Soil Data
Crittenden County, Kentucky
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.0
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Crittenden County, Kentucky
Superior Soils in Western Kentucky
Crittenden County stands out with a soil score of 61.9, significantly outperforming the state average of 56.2. The average pH is 6.01, which is quite close to the national ideal of 6.5 and much better than the state average of 5.80. This makes it one of the more versatile counties for agriculture in the region.
Silky Texture with Low Sand
With a massive 66.1% silt content and only 12.3% sand, this soil feels floury and smooth to the touch. The 21.7% clay content provides enough structure to hold nutrients without becoming overly heavy. This high-silt profile is a signature of the fertile loess-derived soils in western Kentucky.
High Water Storage Capacity
The Available Water Capacity of 0.201 in/in is well above the state average, providing an excellent buffer against drought. Organic matter is lower at 2.07%, which aligns with national levels but suggests a need for cover cropping to boost carbon. Plants here have access to a deep reservoir of moisture throughout the summer.
Slow Movement and High Retention
While specific drainage classes are unavailable, the extremely high silt content suggests that water permeates the soil slowly. This makes the county excellent for dry-land farming where water retention is critical. Builders should test for soil stability given the high silt and low sand levels.
Grow Boldly in Zone 7a
Crittenden County’s high water capacity and near-neutral pH make it a gardener's dream in Zone 7a. It is ideal for corn, soybeans, and large-scale vegetable gardens that thrive in moisture-retentive silt. Your backyard plot will flourish with just a little organic supplementation.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Crittenden County have?
Crittenden County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 12% sand, 66% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Crittenden County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Crittenden County's soil has a pH of 6.0, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Crittenden County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Crittenden County.
What crops or plants grow well in Crittenden County's soil?
Based on Crittenden County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.0, 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 Crittenden County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Crittenden County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Crittenden County
Soil Verdict
Crittenden 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
Crittenden County closely matches the Kentucky average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Crittenden 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.