Litter Cover
Benchmark Value
Scoring Curve
This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context. The scoring engine uses 4 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 3 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
During years with average or above-average rainfall, when the pasture was demonstrably in a healthy and resilient state (B+ condition), the MSR treatment consistently maintained a total ground cover (litter plus living plant bases) in the range of 70-90%.
Litter Cover (%) is defined as the proportion of the soil surface covered by detached, non-living plant material, including senesced grass, fallen leaves, twigs, and other organic debris.
Litter cover is the proportion of soil surface covered by non-living plant material, representing a sustainable best-practice management target in tropical maritime island grazing lands.
The benchmark is derived from ground cover levels observed under the 'Moderate Stocking Rate' treatment at the Wambiana Grazing Trial, representing best-practice sustainable management in a tropical savanna environment.
Sources (4)
Revegetation - International Erosion Control Association
View SourceNutrient Cycling in Pastures - UF/IFAS Range Cattle Research & Education Center
View SourceSoil Health & Your Wealth - presented by Graeme Sait - Regional Development Australia, accessed July 30, 2025,
View SourceFutureBeef. (2011). The Wambiana grazing trial: Key learnings for managing for rainfall variability and land condition in northern grazing lands. Meat & Livestock Australia.
View SourceSupporting Sources (1)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Effect of reduced grazing pressure on sediment and nutrient yields in savanna rangeland streams draining to the Great Barrier Reef - CSIRO Research Publications Repository, accessed July 19, 2025
View Source