Hopkins County Soil Data
Hopkins County, Kentucky
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.7
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hopkins County, Kentucky
Acidity and Soil Health
Hopkins County has a soil score of 58.6, slightly higher than the Kentucky average of 56.2. Its average pH is 5.72, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and nearly identical to the state average.
The Power of Silt
This soil is dominated by silt at 65.4%, with 21.9% clay and a very low 10.4% sand. This composition creates a dense soil that retains nutrients well but may drain slowly due to the lack of large sand particles.
Solid Foundation for Crops
The organic matter sits at 2.80%, which is well above the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.193 in/in, these soils are quite resilient and provide a steady water supply to plants.
Working with Silty Soils
Specific drainage classifications are not available, but the high silt-to-sand ratio suggests the soil may stay heavy and wet. Proper aeration and avoiding traffic on wet soil will prevent the compaction common in this texture.
Extended Growing in Zone 7a
With a 7a hardiness zone, Hopkins County supports a longer frost-free season than much of the state. It is a fantastic environment for growing sweet potatoes and berries that benefit from consistent water and acidic soil.
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 5.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hopkins County have?
Hopkins County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 10% sand, 65% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hopkins County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hopkins County's soil has a pH of 5.7, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Hopkins County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hopkins County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hopkins County's soil?
Based on Hopkins County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.7, 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 Hopkins County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hopkins County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hopkins County
Soil Verdict
Hopkins 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
Hopkins County closely matches the Kentucky average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hopkins 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.