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
Optimal Range: 500 – 2000 kPa (measured at or near field capacity). This range defines a healthy state for arid upland forest soils.
Penetrometer resistance (PR) measured at or near field capacity, indicating soil mechanical strength affecting root growth.
Penetrometer resistance range indicating optimal soil compaction balancing root growth and water retention in arid mountain upland forest soils.
Based on evidence that moderate compaction improves water retention without significantly impeding root growth in arid upland forests.
Sources (1)
Australia's State of the Forests Report, accessed May 15, 2025
View SourceSupporting Sources (1)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Relationships between cone penetration resistance, bulk density, and moisture content in uncultivated, repacked, and cultivated hardsetting and non-hardsetting soils from the coastal lowlands of south-east Queensland, Australia
View Source