Pulaski County Soil Data
Pulaski County, Kentucky
Avg pH
5.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Pulaski County, Kentucky
Acidic Silts Near Lake Cumberland
Pulaski County features an average soil pH of 5.32, making it significantly more acidic than both the state average of 5.80 and the national median of 6.5. This low pH profile suggests that many traditional crops will require lime applications to thrive. The county earns an overall soil score of 49.0, reflecting these chemical challenges.
A Silt-Dominant Texture Profile
With a composition of 50.3% silt and 19.8% clay, this soil offers a smooth texture that holds nutrients better than sandy soils. The 27.6% sand content helps maintain some structure, though the high silt can make the surface prone to crusting after heavy rains. Proper tilling and management are needed to maintain its workability.
Steady Nutrients and Water Storage
The soil contains 3.73% organic matter, which sits just above the Kentucky state average of 3.55%. Its available water capacity is 0.180 in/in, nearly matching the state benchmark of 0.186. This combination provides a stable environment for roots, ensuring that moisture remains available even during dry spells.
Monitoring Moisture on the Plateau
While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high silt and moderate clay content suggest the soil retains water effectively. Gardeners should watch for slow drainage in low-lying areas, which can be typical for silty-clay mixes. Proper drainage planning is essential for large-scale building or extensive landscaping projects.
Productive Gardening in Zone 7a
Pulaski County’s Zone 7a climate is perfect for heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers once the soil pH is managed. The acidity makes it a natural home for berries, which thrive in these conditions. With a little lime and a lot of sunshine, your Pulaski garden will flourish.
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 Pulaski County have?
Pulaski County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 28% sand, 50% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Pulaski County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Pulaski County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Pulaski County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Pulaski County.
What crops or plants grow well in Pulaski County's soil?
Based on Pulaski County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Pulaski County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Pulaski County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Pulaski 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.