Madison County Soil Data
Madison County, Kentucky
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.9
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Madison County, Kentucky
Superior Soils in Madison County
Madison County earns a soil score of 66.9, comfortably outpacing the state average of 56.2. The average pH of 5.93 is slightly acidic, though it remains closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average of 5.80.
A Silty, Productive Mix
The soil contains 55.6% silt and 22.3% clay, creating a dense environment that excels at holding nutrients. With 20.3% sand, the ground maintains enough structural variety to remain workable for local farmers.
Rich Organic Matter for Crops
At 3.59%, the organic matter content exceeds both the state average of 3.55% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.195 in/in ensures that plants have access to more moisture than the typical Kentucky field.
Managing Water in Central Kentucky
While specific drainage classes are unmapped, the high silt and clay percentages suggest the land retains water effectively. Gardeners should monitor for slow drainage during heavy rains to prevent root saturation.
Vibrant Gardening in Zone 7a
Madison County sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, making it ideal for a long season of tomatoes, peppers, and hardy perennials. These high-scoring soils provide an excellent foundation for anyone looking to start a backyard garden.
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 5.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Madison County have?
Madison County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 56% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Madison County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Madison County's soil has a pH of 5.9, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Madison County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Madison County.
What crops or plants grow well in Madison County's soil?
Based on Madison County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.9, 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 Madison County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Madison County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Madison County
Soil Verdict
Madison 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
Madison County closely matches the Kentucky average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6b-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Madison 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.