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
A penetration resistance exceeding 2500 kPa (measured at field capacity) can be confidently established as the lower critical threshold, below which soil condition is considered significantly compromised for the purposes of sustainable production forestry.
Penetrometer resistance (PR) measured at field capacity indicating the onset of significant root growth restriction.
Penetrometer resistance threshold indicating severe restriction of root growth and compromised soil function in production forestry soils.
Supported by multiple studies showing significant root growth restriction above this value.
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