Microbial Biomass Carbon (MBC)
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 11 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 10 guard(s) constrain the result.
Evidence & Context
Therefore, the proposed benchmark for Microbial Biomass Carbon (MBC) in the topsoil (0-10 cm) of a tropical monsoonal savanna under best-practice (i.e., light or no) grazing is 360 - 470 mg/kg.
Microbial Biomass Carbon (MBC) in the topsoil (0-10 cm) of a tropical monsoonal savanna under best-practice grazing
Benchmark for Microbial Biomass Carbon (MBC) representing the best available condition in well-managed tropical savanna grazing systems.
The benchmark is derived from ecologically analogous Indian savannas as primary Australian studies establish the principle that light/no grazing maximizes MBC but lack absolute values in available literature. The confidence is Moderate due to proxy data use but strong ecological analogy and principle confirmation in the target biome.
Sources (1)
The effects of burning and grazing of dry tropical Indian savanna on the level of available nutrient pools and microbial C, N and P
View SourceSupporting Sources (3)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
A Description of the ECCOSAT Experimental Site at Hillgrove near Charters Towers, north Queensland - ResearchGate
View SourceMicrobiological Indicators for Assessing the Effects of Agricultural Practices on Soil Health: A Review - MDPI, accessed August 13, 2025,
View Source
Ratio of microbial biomass carbon to soil organic carbon as a sensitive indicator of changes in soil organic matter - ResearchGate
View Source