Henderson County Soil Data
Henderson 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 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
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 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Henderson County
Soil Verdict
Henderson 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
Henderson County closely matches the Kentucky average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Henderson 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.