soilbycounty

Lee County Soil Data

Lee County, Kentucky

USDA SSURGO / PHZM

Avg pH

N/A

Texture

Unknown

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

N/A

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Lee County, Kentucky

Awaiting Detailed Soil Mapping

While specific pH data is currently unavailable for Lee County, its location suggests soils often trend toward the state average of 5.80. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, making lime a common necessity for many local growers.

Navigating Rugged Terrain

Detailed local sand and silt measurements remain unmapped for this specific area. Gardeners here typically work with the rocky, variable terrain characteristic of the Cumberland Plateau which demands site-specific attention.

Benchmarks for Growth

Local organic matter data is limited, though state-level averages of 3.55% serve as a benchmark for local soil improvement goals. The available water capacity likely varies significantly depending on whether you are planting in a valley floor or on a ridge.

Managing Water on the Slopes

Formal drainage classification data is currently restricted for Lee County. Proper site assessment is critical for building projects and gardens to navigate the region's steep slopes and varied runoff patterns.

Resilient Planting in Zone 6b

The county sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, providing a solid foundation for diverse planting. Root vegetables and resilient perennials thrive here when given proper attention to the local microclimate.

Soil Composition

Composition data not available for this county.

Soil pH

pH data not available for this county.

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: Unknown

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.

Soil Amendment Products

Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.

Browse Soil Amendments

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Lee County have?

Lee County's soil is classified as Unknown. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — sand percentage unavailable, silt percentage unavailable, and clay percentage unavailable. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.

Is Lee County's soil acidic or alkaline?

pH data is not available for Lee County.

What is the drainage class for Lee County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Lee County.

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

Based on Lee County's Unknown texture, soil pH, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for a variety of crops depending on local conditions.

What USDA soil order is found in Lee County?

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

Soil & Planting Advisory: Lee County

Soil Verdict

Lee County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.

Planting Guidance

A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. 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

Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.

Regional Context

Lee County is somewhat cooler than the Kentucky statewide average.

Other Counties in Kentucky

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.