When it comes to making things grow on your land and raising happy, healthy animals, few things are more important than the actual soil the land is made of.
The state of Kentucky has a long, proud agricultural history and is well known for its production of different types of grains, corn, soybean, hay and wheat. The relatively flat but rolling landscape makes it especially productive for these crops to grow.
But more importantly (especially around Lexington) the land here is known for its livestock and of course, horses.
What Does Soil Quality Mean?
Well, soil quality really comes down to how well it does what we want it to do. The make up of different soil types across Kentucky are what make those regions so successful for different purposes.
A few of the biggest considerations include the mineral makeup of the soil, soil depth as well as the soil’s ability to drain. Different combinations of these different factors can make different soil types especially good for some uses, say raising livestock, and bad for others, like cultivating corn.
What makes Lexington Soil Great for Raising Horses?
It’s all about the limestone.
The USDA rates most of the soil around Central Kentucky as prime. Around Lexington specifically, the soils are extremely well regarded and widely considered to be some of the best grazing lands anywhere in the world.
The Maury and McAfee silt soils commonly found here are especially rich in phosphorus and calcium from a layer of limestone. This combination makes the grass grown here especially good for horses; the combination of minerals contributes to building strong bones!
What Types of Soil are Most Common in Kentucky & Lexington?
Across Kentucky, Crider soil is the most common type, found across over 500,000 acres across the state. It drains well and is nutrient-rich; it also makes up nearly all the prime farmland.
As noted above Maury and McAfee silt soils are incredibly common, especially around Lexington. It’s a deep silty soil that is especially good for pasture and grain production. Just like Crider soil, it drains well. This ensures that the top level doesn’t wear too easily, making it ideal for livestock and horses.
Also, the limestone layer found below ensures the soil is especially rich in nutrients.
There are many reasons Kentucky land is perfectly suited for raising horses, as well as a wide range of crops. But a primary reason comes from deep down in its soil and the ecological development of the land over the past millennia.
Are you interested in learning more about what to look for in an outstanding Kentucky Horse Farm? Check back on our blog often or contact our team of expert real estate professionals online today.
Posted by Hill Parker on
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