Wayne County Soil Data
Wayne County, Kentucky
Avg pH
5.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Wayne County, Kentucky
Wayne County's Acidic Soil Profile
Wayne County has an average pH of 5.49, making it significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median and the state average of 5.8. Gardeners often need to apply lime to bring these soils into a more productive range for standard vegetables.
Higher Sand for Better Aeration
With 26.5% sand, this soil is more aerated and workable than many of its neighboring counties. It is balanced by 53.2% silt and 20.2% clay, a mix that provides decent structure while allowing for easier root penetration.
Managing Fertility in Sandy Loams
The Available Water Capacity of 0.181 in/in is slightly below the Kentucky average of 0.186. Organic matter sits at 2.28%, which is higher than the national average but requires consistent additions to reach the state benchmark of 3.55%.
Understanding a Lower Soil Score
A soil score of 46.2 indicates that Wayne County ground is less naturally productive than the state average of 56.2. The higher sand content improves drainage but means that nutrients and water may leach away more quickly.
Warm Seasons in Zone 7a
Despite the lower soil score, Hardiness Zone 7a offers a robust environment for heat-loving crops like peppers. Adding compost and adjusting the pH can turn a Wayne County backyard into a flourishing garden.
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 Wayne County have?
Wayne County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 27% sand, 53% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Wayne County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wayne 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 Wayne County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Wayne County.
What crops or plants grow well in Wayne County's soil?
Based on Wayne 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 Wayne County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Wayne County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Wayne 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.