Bare Ground
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 7 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 6 guard(s) constrain the result.
Evidence & Context
The lower boundary of the optimal range is anchored by the benchmark itself, approximately 30% bare ground. Values significantly and persistently below this may indicate an unnatural increase in vegetation density, potentially due to invasive species.
Lower boundary of bare ground percentage below which ecosystem structure is unnaturally dense and degraded.
The minimum bare ground percentage to maintain natural ecosystem structure and prevent invasive species dominance.
Ecological rationale based on the natural mosaic structure of chenopod shrubland and risks of invasive grass monocultures.
Sources (1)
Derived from analysis of the Rangelands and Pasture Productivity (RaPP) Map fractional cover dataset (2001–2024) for the Nullarbor Protected Areas, contextualised by the 'Inventory and condition survey of the Western Australian part of the Nullarbor region'
View SourceSupporting Sources (48)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
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