Soil Structure & Compaction
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 13 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 12 guard(s) constrain the result.
Evidence & Context
Multiple independent sources from Australian agricultural research converge on a value of 1,500 kPa (1.5 MPa) as the threshold where the root growth of most crop and pasture species starts to be restricted.
Soil penetration resistance measured by cone penetrometer at or near field capacity, indicating the threshold where root growth begins to be restricted.
This benchmark defines the critical soil penetration resistance threshold above which root growth is restricted in temperate semi-arid shrublands and open woodlands under livestock grazing and pasture.
Strong, repeated evidence establishing that root growth begins to be restricted at 1,500 kPa.
Sources (1)
Plant responses to livestock grazing frequency in an Australian temperate grassland, accessed August 8, 2025,
View SourceSupporting Sources (2)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Managing sandy soils across low-rainfall regions of south-eastern Australia (GRDC Fact Sheet)
View Source
grdc.com.au
View Source