Soil Electrical Conductivity (EC)

AUS-ASP-AGR-SEC General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

2 dS/m
Thresholds: Lower: —, Upper: 2
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: UpperThreshold

Evidence & Context

The widely accepted scientific threshold at which salinity begins to negatively affect sensitive crops and associated ecological processes is an ECe of 2.0 dS/m.

Metric Definition:

Soil Electrical Conductivity (EC) upper detrimental threshold indicating onset of salinity stress

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the upper detrimental soil electrical conductivity threshold above which salinity stress impairs ecosystem function in arid cropping systems.

Justification:

Based on well-established principles of plant physiology, microbiology, and soil science indicating salinity stress onset.

Sources (1)

Preview of Salt tolerance of crops - Wikipedia
Salt tolerance of crops - Wikipedia GreyLiterature

Salt tolerance of crops - Wikipedia

View Source

Supporting Sources (1)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Synthesis of data from Soilquality.org.au and established salinity thresholds (ANZECC & ARMCANZ, 2000)
Synthesis of data from Soilquality.org.au and established salinity thresholds (ANZECC & ARMCANZ, 2000)
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Synthesis of data from Soilquality.org.au and established salinity thresholds (ANZECC & ARMCANZ, 2000)

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Arid Shrublands & Stony Plains
  • Land Use Agricultural Crop Production
  • Assessment Pristine Reference
  • Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

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

Notes

Above this threshold, salinity stress impairs microbial function, plant water uptake, and soil structure.