Simpson County Soil Data
Simpson County, Kentucky
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Simpson County, Kentucky
Acidic foundations in the southern tier
Simpson County features a more acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.47, falling below the state average of 5.80. This acidity contributes to a soil score of 51.8, which is slightly lower than the Kentucky average. Local farmers often use lime to bring these soils closer to the national median of 6.5 for better crop yields.
Silty textures with moderate clay
The soil composition here is 62.4% silt and 21.2% clay, balanced by 13.6% sand. This high silt content makes the soil feel velvety and allows for decent nutrient retention. The moderate clay levels provide structure but require careful management to avoid compaction when wet.
Healthy organic levels above national averages
Simpson County contains 2.64% organic matter, which is lower than the state mean but well above the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.190 in/in, indicating the soil holds slightly more moisture than the state average. This provides a reliable reservoir for crops during the peak of the growing season.
Monitoring drainage in silty fields
Specific drainage class data is not available for Simpson County, but the silt-heavy mix typically offers moderate permeability. High silt content can lead to surface crusting if the soil is left bare, which impacts how water enters the ground. Proper cover cropping helps maintain the soil's natural hydrologic function.
Warm beginnings in Zone 7a
The 7a hardiness zone offers a longer growing season, making it perfect for peppers and sweet potatoes. Because the soil is naturally acidic, blueberries and azaleas thrive here without much intervention. Consider testing your specific plot to see if your favorite vegetables need a lime boost.
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 5.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Simpson County have?
Simpson County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 14% sand, 62% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Simpson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Simpson 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 Simpson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Simpson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Simpson County's soil?
Based on Simpson 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 Simpson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Simpson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Simpson County
Soil Verdict
Simpson 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
Simpson County closely matches the Kentucky average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Simpson 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.