Monroe County Soil Data
Monroe County, Kentucky
Avg pH
5.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Monroe County, Kentucky
Southern Kentucky Acidic Soils
Monroe County's soil has an average pH of 5.65, falling below both the state average and the national 6.5 median. This acidic environment is common in southern Kentucky and often requires soil amendments for optimal growth.
Balanced Silt and Sand
With a high silt content of 55.6% and nearly 20% clay, the soil offers a good balance of moisture retention and structure. The 24.1% sand content helps slightly with aeration compared to heavier clay-based neighbors.
Consistent Moisture Retention
The organic matter level of 2.38% exceeds the national average of 2.0% but remains lower than the Kentucky state average of 3.55%. Its water capacity of 0.177 in/in is near the state benchmark, meaning it holds water reasonably well.
Moderate Hydrologic Response
Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the silty texture usually indicates a moderate hydrologic response. A soil score of 48.6 suggests there is significant potential for improvement through the use of cover crops.
Long Growing Seasons in 7a
In Hardiness Zone 7a, growers can enjoy a long season for warm-weather favorites like squash and melons. Get your garden started today by testing your soil and adding the organic matter it craves.
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 Monroe County have?
Monroe County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 56% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Monroe County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Monroe County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Monroe County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Monroe County.
What crops or plants grow well in Monroe County's soil?
Based on Monroe County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.6, 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 Monroe County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Monroe County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Monroe 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.