Metcalfe County Soil Data
Metcalfe County, Kentucky
Avg pH
5.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Metcalfe County, Kentucky
Highly Acidic Soil Profiles
Metcalfe County soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.49, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This low pH suggests a regular need for lime to unlock nutrients for traditional crops.
Silty Texture with Clay Support
The soil profile consists of 57.2% silt and 20.2% clay, creating a heavy texture that retains moisture well. This mix provides moderate workability but requires care to avoid compaction during wet seasons.
Room for Organic Growth
Organic matter stands at 2.19%, which is slightly above the national average of 2.0% but trails the Kentucky average of 3.55%. The Available Water Capacity of 0.169 in/in also sits below the state average, suggesting lower drought resilience.
Slow and Steady Drainage
While specific drainage class data is absent, the high silt and clay content generally points to moderate drainage speeds. Farmers should monitor for runoff given the 22.6% sand content, which is relatively low for the state.
Bountiful Zone 7a Gardening
The 7a Hardiness Zone and silty soil are excellent for berry patches and native Kentucky wildflowers. Whether you're planting tomatoes or hydrangeas, your garden will thrive with consistent organic amendments.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Metcalfe County have?
Metcalfe County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 23% sand, 57% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Metcalfe County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Metcalfe County's soil has a low pH of 5.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Metcalfe County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Metcalfe County.
What crops or plants grow well in Metcalfe County's soil?
Based on Metcalfe County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.5, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Metcalfe County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Metcalfe County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Metcalfe 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.