Soil Electrical Conductivity (EC)

AUS-TMI-LVG-SEC General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range
Range: 0.5 to 1.5 dS/m
Optimal Range: 0.5 to 1.5
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: OptimalRange

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 16 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 15 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard MinimumOnly Guard UpperThreshold Guard MaximumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard MinimumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard MaximumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard OptimalRange Guard MaximumOnly Guard

Evidence & Context

Proposed Range: An optimal range of ECe​ 0.5 – 1.5 dS/m is proposed.

Metric Definition:

Soil Electrical Conductivity (EC) measured as Saturation Extract EC (ECe) in dS/m

Benchmark Definition:

This range defines the target soil electrical conductivity for healthy, productive pastures in tropical maritime island grazing systems, balancing fertility and environmental risk.

Justification:

This range must logically sit above the lower critical threshold and below the upper detrimental threshold, encompassing the proposed benchmark of <1.0 dS/m. The upper boundary of this optimal range should ensure that even the most salt-sensitive pasture species are not under stress. Forage legumes like white and subterranean clover, which are valuable for nitrogen fixation and pasture quality, have a tolerance limit around an ECe​ of 2.6 dS/m. General guidelines from Agriculture Victoria indicate that salinity is not a concern for any pasture species when the ECe​ is below 1.8 dS/m. Therefore, maintaining EC well below this level provides a significant buffer for ecosystem health.

Sources (1)

Preview of Understanding soil tests for pastures | Soil | Farm management ..., accessed May 12, 2025
Understanding soil tests for pastures | Soil | Farm management ..., accessed May 12, 2025 Government

Understanding soil tests for pastures

View Source

Supporting Sources (39)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of 1370.0 - Measures of Australia's Progress, 2010 - Australian Bureau of Statistics, accessed July 28, 2025, ) Salinity - The University of Western Australia, accessed July 28, 2025
1370.0 - Measures of Australia's Progress, 2010 - Australian Bureau of Statistics, accessed July 28, 2025, ) Salinity - The University of Western Australia, accessed July 28, 2025
Contextual Support Government

1370.0 - Measures of Australia's Progress, 2010 - Australian Bureau of Statistics, accessed July 28, 2025, ) Salinity - The University of Western Australia, accessed July 28, 2025

View Source
Preview of 229-2025: Consultation on potential measures for bringing or importing live animals and animal products into Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands - DAFF, accessed July 28, 2025
229-2025: Consultation on potential measures for bringing or importing live animals and animal products into Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands - DAFF, accessed July 28, 2025
Contextual Support Government

229-2025: Consultation on potential measures for bringing or importing live animals and animal products into Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands - DAFF, accessed July 28, 2025

View Source
Preview of All About Salinity - Environment and Heritage, accessed August 11, 2025
All About Salinity - Environment and Heritage, accessed August 11, 2025
Contextual Support

Impacts of salinity | Environment, land and water - Queensland Government, accessed July 28, 2025

View Source
Preview of Animal Management | Torres Strait Island Regional Council, accessed July 28, 2025
Animal Management | Torres Strait Island Regional Council, accessed July 28, 2025
Contextual Support

Animal Management | Torres Strait Island Regional Council, accessed July 28, 2025

View Source
Preview of Beef cattle return to Lord Howe Island - The Farmer Magazine, accessed July 28, 2025
Beef cattle return to Lord Howe Island - The Farmer Magazine, accessed July 28, 2025
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Managing Cattle Grazing on Norfolk Island, accessed July 28, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Categories - Land use and environmental planning - CSIRO Data Access Portal, accessed July 28, 2025
Categories - Land use and environmental planning - CSIRO Data Access Portal, accessed July 28, 2025
Contextual Support Government

Soil nutrient critical limits | MBFP | More Beef from Pastures, accessed July 28, 2025

View Source
Preview of Ecological Regions Of Australia - WorldAtlas, accessed July 27, 2025,
Ecological Regions Of Australia - WorldAtlas, accessed July 27, 2025,
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Ecological Regions Of Australia - WorldAtlas, accessed July 28, 2025

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Preview of final report - FutureBeef, accessed July 28, 2025
final report - FutureBeef, accessed July 28, 2025
Direct Evidence Journal

final report - FutureBeef, accessed July 28, 2025

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Preview of Graziers contribute to preserving the Great Barrier Reef
Graziers contribute to preserving the Great Barrier Reef
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Managing Cattle Grazing on Norfolk Island, accessed July 30, 2025,

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Preview of How do we drive a renaissance for national island conservation in Australia?, accessed July 28, 2025
How do we drive a renaissance for national island conservation in Australia?, accessed July 28, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

How do we drive a renaissance for national island conservation in Australia?, accessed July 28, 2025

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Preview of How regenerative farming practices are revolutionising biodiversity in agriculture - Institute of Sustainability Studies, accessed July 25, 2025,
How regenerative farming practices are revolutionising biodiversity in agriculture - Institute of Sustainability Studies, accessed July 25, 2025,
Direct Evidence GreyLiterature

Grazing support programs | Environment, land and water - Queensland Government, accessed July 28, 2025,

View Source
Preview of How regenerative farming practices are revolutionising biodiversity in agriculture - Institute of Sustainability Studies, accessed July 28, 2025
How regenerative farming practices are revolutionising biodiversity in agriculture - Institute of Sustainability Studies, accessed July 28, 2025
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Regenerative Agriculture - EARTHDAY.ORG, accessed July 28, 2025

View Source
Preview of Impacts of salinity | Environment, land and water - Queensland Government, accessed May 13, 2025,
Impacts of salinity | Environment, land and water - Queensland Government, accessed May 13, 2025,
Contextual Support Government

What can electrical conductivity tell us about our soil? - Trace and Save, accessed July 28, 2025

View Source
Preview of Land management for graziers | Business Queensland, accessed August 8, 2025
Land management for graziers | Business Queensland, accessed August 8, 2025
Contextual Support Government

Reducing the impacts of grazing on water quality - EPA Victoria, accessed July 19, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan - DCCEEW, accessed August 3, 2025,
Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan - DCCEEW, accessed August 3, 2025,
Direct Evidence

Lord Howe Island biodiversity management plan - DCCEEW, accessed July 28, 2025

View Source
Preview of Lord Howe Island Education Kit, accessed July 28, 2025
Lord Howe Island Education Kit, accessed July 28, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Reassembling island ecosystems: The case of Lord Howe Island - ResearchGate, accessed July 28, 2025

View Source
Preview of Managing Cattle Grazing on Norfolk Island to Enhance Water Quality, accessed July 28, 2025
Managing Cattle Grazing on Norfolk Island to Enhance Water Quality, accessed July 28, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Managing Cattle Grazing on Norfolk Island to Enhance Water Quality, accessed July 28, 2025

View Source
Preview of Managing cattle grazing on Norfolk Island tos enhance water quality - Agronomist visit, accessed July 28, 2025
Managing cattle grazing on Norfolk Island tos enhance water quality - Agronomist visit, accessed July 28, 2025
Contextual Support Government

Managing Cattle Grazing on Norfolk Island to Enhance Water Quality, accessed July 28, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Managing Grazing to Restore Soil Health, Ecosystem Function, and Ecosystem Services - Frontiers, accessed July 30, 2025,
Managing Grazing to Restore Soil Health, Ecosystem Function, and Ecosystem Services - Frontiers, accessed July 30, 2025,
Contextual Support 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 - CSIRO Publishing, accessed July 10, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Norfolk Island - Wikipedia, accessed July 30, 2025,
Norfolk Island - Wikipedia, accessed July 30, 2025,
Contextual Support

Norfolk Island Water Resource Assessment, accessed July 30, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Norfolk Island Environmental Assessment, accessed August 3, 2025,
Norfolk Island Environmental Assessment, accessed August 3, 2025,
Contextual Support Journal

Overgrazing & Reducing Grazing Pressure | Bush Heritage Australia, accessed July 28, 2025

View Source
Preview of Norfolk Island Water Quality Assessment - CSIRO, accessed August 4, 2025,
Norfolk Island Water Quality Assessment - CSIRO, accessed August 4, 2025,
Direct Evidence Government

Norfolk Island Water Assessment publications and datasets - CSIRO, accessed July 28, 2025

View Source
Preview of Norfolk Island Water Resource Assessment project | Department of ..., accessed August 4, 2025,
Norfolk Island Water Resource Assessment project | Department of ..., accessed August 4, 2025,
Direct Evidence

Norfolk Island Water Resource Assessment project | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts, accessed July 28, 2025

View Source
Preview of Norfolk Island Water Resource Assessment, accessed July 28, 2025
Norfolk Island Water Resource Assessment, accessed July 28, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Norfolk Island Water Resource Assessment, accessed July 28, 2025

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Preview of Norfolk Island Water Resource Assessment, accessed July 30, 2025,
Norfolk Island Water Resource Assessment, accessed July 30, 2025,
Direct Evidence Journal

Cattle : Norfolk Blue | RARE BREEDS TRUST OF AUSTRALIA | TidyHQ, accessed July 30, 2025,

View Source
Preview of PFAS Ongoing Monitoring Plan - Year 2 Monitoring Report - Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, accessed July 28, 2025
PFAS Ongoing Monitoring Plan - Year 2 Monitoring Report - Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, accessed July 28, 2025
Direct Evidence Journal

PFAS Ongoing Monitoring Plan - Year 2 Monitoring Report - Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, accessed July 28, 2025

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Preview of Rapid internal drainage rates in Ferrosols | Request PDF, accessed July 28, 2025
Rapid internal drainage rates in Ferrosols | Request PDF, accessed July 28, 2025
Irrelevant Government

Regenerative Agriculture - Norfolk FWAG, accessed July 28, 2025

View Source
Preview of Regenerative agriculture in Australia: the changing face of farming - Frontiers
Regenerative agriculture in Australia: the changing face of farming - Frontiers
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

The Longest Paddock: Cattle on Norfolk Island, accessed July 28, 2025

View Source
Preview of Response of Grazing Land Soil Health to Management Strategies: A Summary Review, accessed August 5, 2025,
Response of Grazing Land Soil Health to Management Strategies: A Summary Review, accessed August 5, 2025,
Contextual Support Journal

Response of Grazing Land Soil Health to Management Strategies: A Summary Review

View Source
Preview of Soil Analysis Results for Pastures - Northern Territory Government, accessed July 28, 2025
Soil Analysis Results for Pastures - Northern Territory Government, accessed July 28, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Integration of Soil Electrical Conductivity and Indices Obtained through Satellite Imagery for Differential Management of Pasture Fertilization - MDPI, accessed July 28, 2025

View Source
Preview of Soil Electrical Conductivity - Natural Resources Conservation Service, accessed May 16, 2025,
Soil Electrical Conductivity - Natural Resources Conservation Service, accessed May 16, 2025,
Contextual Support Journal

USDA 12

View Source
Preview of Soil electrical conductivity (EC) is a measure of the amount ... - USDA
Soil electrical conductivity (EC) is a measure of the amount ... - USDA
Direct Evidence Journal

Soil Electrical Conductivity - Guides for Educators

View Source
Preview of Soil Electrical Conductivity | South Dakota Soil Health Coalition, accessed July 28, 2025
Soil Electrical Conductivity | South Dakota Soil Health Coalition, accessed July 28, 2025
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

How salinity is measured - NSW Department of Primary Industries, accessed July 22, 2025

View Source
Preview of Soil Salinity in Australia (2001) - CSIROpedia, accessed July 28, 2025
Soil Salinity in Australia (2001) - CSIROpedia, accessed July 28, 2025
Contextual Support Government

Soil Salinity Explained, accessed July 28, 2025

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Preview of The farmers of Lord Howe Island - The Farmer Magazine
The farmers of Lord Howe Island - The Farmer Magazine
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

EN29 Lord Howe Island - Aotea Great Barrier Environmental Trust, accessed July 30, 2025,

View Source
Preview of The Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan: An integrated approach to recovery planning - ResearchGate, accessed August 3, 2025,
The Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan: An integrated approach to recovery planning - ResearchGate, accessed August 3, 2025,
Direct Evidence

Plants & Animals | Lord Howe Island Rodent Eradication Project, accessed July 28, 2025,

View Source
Preview of The Lord Howe Island Rodent Eradication: Social and Technical Lessons for Inhabited Islands - DigitalCommons@USU, accessed August 3, 2025,
The Lord Howe Island Rodent Eradication: Social and Technical Lessons for Inhabited Islands - DigitalCommons@USU, accessed August 3, 2025,
Contextual Support

Torres Strait Island Biosecurity Action Plans, accessed July 28, 2025,

View Source
Preview of The Soil Health Principles of Regenerative Agriculture - Frantoio Grove, accessed July 25, 2025,
The Soil Health Principles of Regenerative Agriculture - Frantoio Grove, accessed July 25, 2025,
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Managing Grazing to Restore Soil Health, Ecosystem Function, and Ecosystem Services - Frontiers, accessed July 28, 2025

View Source
Preview of The Soil Health Principles of Regenerative Agriculture - Frantoio Grove, accessed July 28, 2025
The Soil Health Principles of Regenerative Agriculture - Frantoio Grove, accessed July 28, 2025
Contextual Support Government

Regenerative Agriculture at Rocking Chair Farm - DCCEEW, accessed July 28, 2025

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Tropical & Subtropical Maritime Islands
  • Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
  • Assessment Pristine Reference
  • Evidence Type HealthyOperationalRange

Lifecycle

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

Notes

The optimal range represents the target for land managers aiming to achieve the "best available condition." It is the zone where soil fertility is sufficient to support a healthy and productive pasture ecosystem without creating undue environmental risk.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TMI-LVG-SEC family.

0.5 dS/m Moderate
Livestock Grazing & Pasture · Pristine Reference
MaximumOnly Active v2
2 dS/m Moderate
Livestock Grazing & Pasture · Pristine Reference
MinimumOnly Active v1
1 dS/m Moderate
Livestock Grazing & Pasture · Pristine Reference
MaximumOnly Superseded v1