Oldham County Soil Data
Oldham County, Kentucky
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.0
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Oldham County, Kentucky
Oldham's High-Quality Soil Identity
Oldham County boasts an average pH of 5.99, one of the higher scores in the region compared to the state average of 5.80. While still under the national median of 6.5, this soil provides a very hospitable environment for Kentucky agriculture.
Silty and Workable
The soil mix contains 61.7% silt and 21.3% clay, balanced by 17.0% sand. This combination offers a perfect middle ground: it is easy to plow and plant while retaining enough clay to hold onto vital fertilizers.
Superior Growing Potential
Oldham's organic matter of 2.52% comfortably beats the national 2.0% average. Furthermore, its available water capacity of 0.198 in/in is significantly higher than the state average of 0.186 in/in, indicating great drought resilience.
Reliable Hydrologic Profile
The specific drainage class isn't provided, but the county's soil score of 64.2 suggests superior overall function compared to the state average of 56.2. This indicates better-than-average conditions for both farming and suburban development.
Abundance in Zone 6b
As a Zone 6b county, Oldham is perfect for growing diverse perennials, berries, and traditional row crops. The high soil quality makes this an ideal place to establish a thriving home garden or small farm.
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 6.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Oldham County have?
Oldham County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 17% sand, 62% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Oldham County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Oldham County's soil has a pH of 6.0, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Oldham County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Oldham County.
What crops or plants grow well in Oldham County's soil?
Based on Oldham County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.0, 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 Oldham County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Oldham County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Oldham County
Soil Verdict
Oldham County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Oldham County is somewhat cooler than the Kentucky statewide average. 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 Oldham 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.