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 17 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 16 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
Based on this converging evidence, a lower critical threshold for Litter Cover (%) is set at <40%.
Litter Cover (%)
This benchmark defines the lower critical threshold of litter cover below which ecosystem function and soil protection are significantly compromised in tropical rainforest production forestry.
Below this level, the protective function against soil erosion is significantly compromised in high-rainfall tropical environments.
Sources (1)
The effect of litter layer on controlling surface runoff and erosion in rubber plantations on tropical mountain slopes, SW China | Request PDF - ResearchGate
View SourceSupporting Sources (2)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Combined Effects of Fire and Selective Timber Harvesting on Forest Structure, Composition and Topsoil Properties in a Sub-Tropical Eucalypt Forest (Ryan et al. 2021)
View SourceUsing experimental manipulation to assess the roles of leaf litter in the functioning of forest ecosystems
View Source