Lewis County Soil Data
Lewis County, Kentucky
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.8
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lewis County, Kentucky
Typical Kentucky Acidity
Lewis County soils feature a pH of 5.79, nearly identical to the Kentucky state average of 5.80. This acidic profile falls well below the national median of 6.5, suggesting a frequent need for soil amendments like lime.
Silt-Driven Soil Mix
The soil mix is silt-heavy at 56.5%, balanced by 24.1% sand and 19.3% clay. This high silt content provides excellent workability but requires careful management to prevent surface crusting and compaction.
Standard Nutrient Capacity
Organic matter levels reach 2.46%, which beats the national average of 2.0% but lags behind the Kentucky average of 3.55%. The available water capacity stands at 0.181 inches, offering standard hydration support for local crops.
Moisture Management Needed
Specific drainage class data is currently unavailable, though the high silt percentage typically indicates moderate permeability. Builders and farmers should perform site-specific tests to ensure stable foundations and healthy roots.
Diverse Options in Zone 6b
Located in Zone 6b, Lewis County is ideal for growing apples, berries, and a wide variety of cool-season vegetables. Start a backyard garden today to take advantage of these established silty soils.
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 5.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lewis County have?
Lewis County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 57% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lewis County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lewis County's soil has a pH of 5.8, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Lewis County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lewis County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lewis County's soil?
Based on Lewis County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.8, 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 Lewis County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lewis County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lewis County
Soil Verdict
Lewis 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
Lewis County is somewhat cooler than the Kentucky statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lewis 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.