Henderson County Soil Data

Henderson County, Kentucky

Avg pH

6.0

Texture

Silt Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

2.1%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Henderson County, Kentucky

Balanced Soil Along the Ohio

Henderson County achieves a strong soil score of 62.0, well above the state average. Its pH of 6.05 is significantly more neutral than the Kentucky average of 5.80, making it very friendly for diverse agriculture.

The Silt-Rich River Valley

Silt makes up a massive 64.4% of the soil profile, creating a silky texture that is easy for roots to penetrate. With 20.8% clay and 13.8% sand, this mix provides a stable structure for heavy farming equipment and home gardens alike.

Exceptional Water Storage Capacity

The available water capacity is a high 0.198 in/in, which is among the best in the state. While organic matter is 2.12%—lower than the state average—the high water retention ensures plants stay hydrated during humid Kentucky summers.

Heavy Soil Management

Though specific drainage classes are not listed, the high silt concentration often indicates moderate to slow drainage. Farmers in this river-adjacent county should be mindful of water table levels during peak rainy seasons.

Prime Growth in Zone 7a

The 7a hardiness zone supports a wide variety of crops, from corn and soybeans to backyard peaches. Start your garden today to take advantage of some of the most consistent water-storing soils in the region.

Soil Composition

Silt Loam
Sand: 13.8%
Silt: 64.4%
Clay: 20.8%
Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0pH
6.04707949926638
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Henderson County have?

Henderson County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 14% sand, 64% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Henderson County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Henderson 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 Henderson County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Henderson County.

What crops or plants grow well in Henderson County's soil?

Based on Henderson 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 Henderson County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Henderson County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.