Fungal:Bacterial Ratio

AUS-TMS-CON-SFB General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range
Range: 1 to 2 index
Optimal Range: 1 to 2
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: OptimalRange

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 9 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 8 guard(s) constrain the result.

Evidence & Context

An optimal range for this biome under conservation is likely between 1.0 and 2.0.

Metric Definition:

The ratio of fungal to bacterial biomass (F:B ratio) in soils is increasingly recognized as a critical bioindicator, offering insights into soil ecological status, functional pathways, and overall health.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the optimal fungal to bacterial biomass ratio range in tropical monsoonal savanna soils under conservation management, indicating good soil health and ecological function.

Justification:

This encompasses the observed mean of 1.4 and the broader global savanna average of approximately 1.8. This range reflects a system with good soil structure, efficient nutrient cycling, and resilience.

Sources (1)

Preview of EFFECTS OF AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT ON SOIL CARBON ..., accessed on June 7, 2025
EFFECTS OF AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT ON SOIL CARBON ..., accessed on June 7, 2025 Journal

Biogeographical patterns of the soil fungal:bacterial ratio across France - PubMed Central

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Supporting Sources (1)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Contextual metadata �� Australian Microbiome, accessed on June 7, 2025
Contextual metadata �� Australian Microbiome, accessed on June 7, 2025
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Contextual metadata – Australian Microbiome

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Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Tropical Monsoonal Savannas
  • Land Use Conservation / Protected Natural Areas
  • Assessment Conservation Target
  • Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 26 May 2026

Notes

No upper detrimental threshold — higher values are always better up to natural saturation. This range reflects a system with good soil structure, efficient nutrient cycling, and resilience.