Soil Structure & Compaction

AUS-AIF-LVG-SSC General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

1500 kPa
Thresholds: Lower: —, Upper: 3000
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: MaximumOnly

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

The optimal range for a high-health, regeneratively managed Vertosol in this biome is proposed to be < 1500 kPa. A soil in this state presents minimal mechanical impedance to root growth, water infiltration, and gas exchange. This value is designated as the Reference Value for the best available condition.

Metric Definition:

Soil penetration resistance measured as mechanical impedance to root growth and water infiltration in the root zone (0-30 cm) at or near field capacity.

Benchmark Definition:

The benchmark defines the optimal soil penetration resistance for soil structure and compaction in regeneratively grazed arid inland floodplains.

Justification:

Derived from a synthesis of scientific principles and data from analogous systems, reflecting a state of minimal mechanical impedance and high ecosystem function.

Sources (1)

Preview of Do regenerative grazing management practices improve vegetation and soil health in grazed rangelands? Preliminary insights from a space-for-time study in the Great Barrier Reef catchments, Australia - ResearchGate, accessed July 19, 2025,
Do regenerative grazing management practices improve vegetation and soil health in grazed rangelands? Preliminary insights from a space-for-time study in the Great Barrier Reef catchments, Australia - ResearchGate, accessed July 19, 2025, Journal

Do regenerative grazing management practices improve vegetation and soil health in grazed rangelands? Preliminary insights from a space-for-time study in the Great Barrier Reef catchments, Australia - ResearchGate, accessed July 17, 2025,

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Arid Inland Floodplains & Ephemeral River Systems
  • Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
  • Assessment Pristine Reference
  • Evidence Type TargetCondition

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 21 Mar 2026

Notes

Lower Critical Threshold: > 3000 kPa indicates degradation. No upper detrimental threshold exists; lower resistance indicates better soil structure. ConsistencyResolver applied 2026-03-23 00:20 UTC: UpperThreshold 1500 → 3000 (check: MinAboveMax, rationale: The MaximumOnly benchmark should have an UpperThreshold of 3000 kPa (the old MinimumOnly value) to represent the upper ceiling. This aligns with the Notes stating >3000 kPa indicates degradation.)

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-AIF-LVG-SSC family.