Soil Water Infiltration Rate

AUS-TMI-FOR-SWI General Low confidence

Benchmark Value

796 mm/hr
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: Point

Scoring Curve

This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context.

Evidence & Context

The mean steady-state infiltration rate measured under native green forest (rainforest) was 796 mm/hr.

Metric Definition:

Soil Water Infiltration Rate is the rate of water entering the soil from the surface.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the infiltration rate under native green forest on Andosols, indicating a high-functioning soil condition.

Justification:

This value represents the high-functioning state of an Andosol under mature, native forest cover.

Sources (1)

Preview of Early response of soil properties and function to riparian rainforest restoration - Lake Baroon Catchment Care Group, accessed July 18, 2025,
Early response of soil properties and function to riparian rainforest restoration - Lake Baroon Catchment Care Group, accessed July 18, 2025, Journal

Ecology of Nitrogen Fixing, Nitrifying, and Denitrifying ...

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Supporting Sources (4)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Gageler, R., et al. (2014). Restoring soil carbon, nitrogen and functionality in an Australian tropical catchment: a chronosequence approach. PLOS ONE, 9(8), e104198.
Gageler, R., et al. (2014). Restoring soil carbon, nitrogen and functionality in an Australian tropical catchment: a chronosequence approach. PLOS ONE, 9(8), e104198.
Contextual Support Journal

Early Response of Soil Properties and Function to Riparian Rainforest Restoration - PMC

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Preview of Gregory, J. H., et al. (2006). Effect of urban soil compaction on infiltration rate. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 61(3), 117-124.
Gregory, J. H., et al. (2006). Effect of urban soil compaction on infiltration rate. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 61(3), 117-124.
Direct Evidence Journal

Gregory, J. H., et al. (2006). Effect of urban soil compaction on infiltration rate. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 61(3), 117-124.

View Source
Preview of NSW Local Land Services. (2021). Healthy soils and water infiltration in the paddock.
NSW Local Land Services. (2021). Healthy soils and water infiltration in the paddock.
Direct Evidence

NSW Local Land Services. (2021). Healthy soils and water infiltration in the paddock.

View Source
Preview of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Soil Quality Indicators: Infiltration.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Soil Quality Indicators: Infiltration.
Contextual Support Journal

Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands of South-eastern Australia, accessed August 11, 2025

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Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Tropical & Subtropical Maritime Islands
  • Land Use Production Forestry
  • Assessment Pristine Reference
  • Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 19 Mar 2026

Notes

No direct Australian data was found for this soil type; this is an international analogue. Upper threshold not applicable.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TMI-FOR-SWI family.

1421 mm/hr Moderate
Production Forestry · Pristine Reference
Point Active v1
30 mm/hr Moderate
Production Forestry · Pristine Reference
LowerThreshold Active v1
20.3 mm/hr Low
Production Forestry · Pristine Reference
MinimumOnly Active v1