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 14 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 13 guard(s) constrain the result.
Evidence & Context
Based on the evidence that such systems can produce biomass levels (8-15 t/ha) well in excess of what is required for complete soil coverage (approx. 7 t/ha), the reference benchmark for a high-functioning state is determined to be >90% cover.
Litter cover, defined as the proportion of the soil surface covered by dead plant material
Litter cover is the proportion of the soil surface covered by dead plant material. This benchmark represents a high-functioning state in tropical monsoonal savanna agricultural crop production systems, where >90% cover indicates optimal soil protection and biomass production.
This benchmark is derived from the demonstrated capacity of recommended high-biomass wet-season cover crops (e.g., forage sorghum, pearl millet) to produce 8-15 t/ha of dry matter, exceeding the ~7 t/ha of similar residue required for complete (100%) soil cover.
Sources (3)
Melon cover crops - Northern Territory Government, accessed July 23, 2025
View SourceSRL123 Inhibition of Wheat by Sorghum Residue Under Several ..., accessed July 23, 2025
View Source
Surface cover and thickness of straw layer according to the increased... - ResearchGate, accessed July 23, 2025
View SourceSupporting Sources (2)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Grazing-management-for-soil-carbon-in-Australia-A-review.pdf - University of Tasmania, accessed April 29, 2025,
View Source
The relationships between land management practices and ... - DAFF, accessed July 23, 2025
View Source