McLean County Soil Data
McLean 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 McLean County, Kentucky
A Mystery in the Western Coalfields
While specific taxonomic data for McLean County is currently limited, regional profiles suggest the acidic soil common to Western Kentucky. Local growers should expect a pH level that requires management to reach the national median of 6.5.
Fine-Grained River Valley Deposits
Detailed sand and clay percentages are not recorded, but the county's proximity to the Green River typically results in silty textures. These soils often provide a balance between moisture retention and workability for row crops.
Building on State Benchmarks
Without specific local metrics, farmers can look to the Kentucky state average organic matter of 3.55% as a target for soil health. Maintaining high water capacity is essential to sustain crops through the humid summers.
Managing Water in the Lowlands
Specific drainage classes are unavailable, but the local topography often necessitates drainage management for optimal farming. Understanding your specific plot's hydrologic group is the first step toward successful land use.
Abundant Growth in Zone 7a
McLean County sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, offering a long growing season for corn, soybeans, and summer vegetables. Start your garden today with heat-loving crops like peppers and tomatoes that thrive in this climate.
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 McLean County have?
McLean 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 McLean County's soil acidic or alkaline?
pH data is not available for McLean County.
What is the drainage class for McLean County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for McLean County.
What crops or plants grow well in McLean County's soil?
Based on McLean 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 McLean County?
The dominant USDA soil order for McLean County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: McLean County
Soil Verdict
McLean 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
McLean County closely matches the Kentucky average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for McLean 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.