Graves County Soil Data
Graves County, Kentucky
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Graves County, Kentucky
Acidic Silts of the Purchase Region
Graves County soil is notably acidic with an average pH of 5.43. This is more acidic than the state average of 5.80 and sits far below the national median of 6.5.
Silt-Heavy Soils Drive Agriculture
The soil contains a high silt percentage of 67.9%, with 17.4% sand and 14.8% clay. This mix offers excellent workability but requires protection from surface crusting and erosion.
Moisture Retention Outpaces the State
Organic matter sits at 1.76%, falling below the state average of 3.55%. However, the available water capacity of 0.205 in/in is higher than the state average, helping plants survive during dry Kentucky summers.
Water Flow and Surface Care
Specific drainage classes are not provided, but the high silt content suggests the soil holds water well while remaining easy to till. Watch for compaction in high-traffic areas to keep the ground breathing.
Garden Success in Zone 7a
A long growing season in Zone 7a allows for a diverse harvest of corn, peppers, and beans. Take advantage of the high water capacity to establish a thriving home vegetable patch.
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 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Graves County have?
Graves County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 17% sand, 68% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Graves County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Graves County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Graves County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Graves County.
What crops or plants grow well in Graves County's soil?
Based on Graves County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Graves County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Graves County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Graves County
Soil Verdict
Graves 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
Graves County closely matches the Kentucky average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7a-7b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Graves 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.