McCreary County Soil Data
McCreary County, Kentucky
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
N/A
Texture
Unknown
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
N/A
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in McCreary County, Kentucky
Soil Life in the Daniel Boone Forest
McCreary County lacks specific mapped data for its soil score and average pH. Most soils in this forested, high-elevation region are naturally more acidic than the national median pH of 6.5.
Sands and Silts of the Plateau
Detailed measurements for sand, silt, and clay are not provided in the current database for this county. The sandstone and shale bedrock of the area typically produces well-draining, coarser-textured soils on the ridges.
Supporting Growth in Forest Soils
No specific figures for organic matter or available water capacity are available at this time. To match the state's 3.55% organic matter average, local gardeners often find success by adding leaf mold or compost.
Hydrology of the High Country
The county does not have a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group listed in central records. Proper planning for water runoff is important in this hilly terrain to prevent erosion in your garden or yard.
Thriving in Zone 7a
McCreary County resides in Hardiness Zone 7a, which is excellent for berry bushes and native woodland flowers. The natural beauty of the region makes it a wonderful place to establish a home garden.
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
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 McCreary County have?
McCreary 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 McCreary County's soil acidic or alkaline?
pH data is not available for McCreary County.
What is the drainage class for McCreary County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for McCreary County.
What crops or plants grow well in McCreary County's soil?
Based on McCreary 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 McCreary County?
The dominant USDA soil order for McCreary County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: McCreary County
Soil Verdict
McCreary 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
McCreary County closely matches the Kentucky average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for McCreary 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.