Basal Area
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 17 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 16 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
Persistent basal area values falling below 2-3 m²/ha across significant areas may signify severe degradation.
Basal area (BA) as the sum of cross-sectional areas of tree stems per hectare.
A lower critical basal area threshold below which essential savanna woodland functions are lost, indicating severe degradation.
Based on ecological principles and evidence of severe fire effects reducing basal area to near-zero levels.
Sources (1)
Meat & Livestock Australia. (Date of P.PSH.0823 publication, e.g., 2020). P.PSH.0823 – Development of Emissions Reduction Fund Carbon Sequestration methods for savanna fire management in North Australia. Final Report. Meat & Livestock Australia.
View SourceSupporting Sources (4)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Liddell, M. J., Preece, N. D., Krix, D., Edwards, A. C., & Hutley, L. B. (2024). Seasonal litter decomposition and accumulation in north Australian savanna. International Journal of Wildland Fire, WF24053.
View SourceLiddell, M. J., Preece, N. D., Krix, D., Edwards, A. C., & Hutley, L. B. (2024). Seasonal litter decomposition and accumulation in north Australian savanna. International Journal of Wildland Fire, WF24053.
View SourceMurphy, B. P., Lehmann, C. E. R., Russell-Smith, J., & Lawes, M. J. (2015). Fire or Water: Which Limits Tree Biomass in Australian Savannas? In: Ecology of Australian Freshwater Plants (pp. 273-294). CSIRO Publishing.
View SourceQueensland Department of Environment and Science. (Various dates for BioCondition Manual and REDD).
View Source