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 exceeding 15-20 m²/ha across broad savanna landscapes may indicate detrimental woody thickening.
Basal area (BA) as the sum of cross-sectional areas of tree stems per hectare.
An upper basal area threshold indicating risk of woody thickening and loss of savanna ecosystem integrity.
Based on ecological principles and studies on woody encroachment and fire ecology.
Sources (1)
Murphy, 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 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 SourceMeat & 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 SourceQueensland Department of Environment and Science. (Various dates for BioCondition Manual and REDD).
View Source