Bare Ground — Benchmark Detail

Benchmark Value

10 %

Thresholds: Lower: —, Upper: 10

Direction: Lower 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 11 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 10 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary MinimumOnly Guard Point Guard MaximumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard MinimumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard

Evidence & Context

Based on this synthesis, a benchmark of ²6le10% bare ground represents the best available condition.

Metric Definition:

Bare Ground (%)

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the best available condition for sustainably grazed Temperate Grassy Woodlands, balancing soil stability with biodiversity.

Justification:

This value is synthesized from multiple lines of evidence including soil conservation science and biodiversity requirements.

Sources (5)

Preview of A guide to managing Box Gum Grassy Woodlands - DCCEEW, accessed August 4, 2025

A guide to managing Box Gum Grassy Woodlands - DCCEEW, accessed August 4, 2025 Journal

Soil moisture release curves—What they are. Why you need them. How to use them., accessed May 15, 2025,

View Source

Preview of Livestock grazing management and biodiversity conservation in Australian temperate grassy landscapes - ResearchGate, accessed August 5, 2025,

Livestock grazing management and biodiversity conservation in Australian temperate grassy landscapes - ResearchGate, accessed August 5, 2025, Journal

Sustainable land management practices for graziers - NSW ...

View Source

Manage ground cover | EverGraze More livestock from perennials, accessed August 10, 2025,

Maintain and improve groundcover - Local Land Services

View Source

Preview of Managing ground cover to reduce run-off and water loss - FutureBeef, accessed August 10, 2025,

Managing ground cover to reduce run-off and water loss - FutureBeef, accessed August 10, 2025, Journal

Grassy Woodlands of the Goulburn Broken Catchment, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source

Preview of Monitoring groundcover and soil degradation | Erosion | Soil | Farm ..., accessed May 11, 2025

Monitoring groundcover and soil degradation | Erosion | Soil | Farm ..., accessed May 11, 2025 Government

Monitoring groundcover and soil degradation | Erosion - Agriculture Victoria, accessed May 11, 2025

View Source

Supporting Sources (7)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

A review of indicators and methods to assess biodiversity - FAO Knowledge Repository

Contextual Support Journal

Seasonal fine fuel and coarse woody debris dynamics in north Australian savannas, accessed May 16, 2025,

View Source

Farming without a label | Autumn 2022 | Sheep Notes newsletter ..., accessed August 6, 2025,

Contextual Support Government

Victorian Resources Online | Resources | Support and resources ..., accessed August 8, 2025

View Source

Grassy Woodlands of the Goulburn Broken Catchment, accessed August 9, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Grassy eucalypt woodland of the Victorian volcanic plain - listing advice

View Source

Managing Grazing to Restore Soil Health, Ecosystem Function, and Ecosystem Services - Frontiers, accessed August 8, 2025

Contextual Support Journal

Processes underpinning natural capital account ... - CSIRO Publishing, accessed August 8, 2025

View Source

Preview of Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands: a nationally protected ecological community - DCCEEW, accessed August 12, 2025,

Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands: a nationally protected ecological community - DCCEEW, accessed August 12, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Australia's Native Vegetation Framework - DAFF

View Source

Regenerative Grazing: 3 Different Approaches - Shorthandstories.com, accessed August 5, 2025,

Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Regenerative Grazing: 3 Different Approaches - Shorthandstories.com

View Source

Preview of The importance of travelling stock reserves for maintaining high-quality threatened temperate woodlands - CSIRO PUBLISHING | Australian Journal of Botany, accessed August 12, 2025,

The importance of travelling stock reserves for maintaining high-quality threatened temperate woodlands - CSIRO PUBLISHING | Australian Journal of Botany, accessed August 12, 2025,

Direct Evidence

Approved Conservation Advice for the White Box - Yellow Box - Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland - DCCEEW, accessed August 6, 2025

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Temperate Grassy Woodlands & Plains
Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
Assessment Pristine Reference
Evidence Type TargetCondition

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 22 Mar 2026

Notes

Upper Detrimental Threshold: Levels >30% bare ground are widely cited as the threshold for accelerated soil erosion and landscape degradation. This threshold is lower on steeper slopes or more erodible soils, where required ground cover can be 90-100% (i.e., 0-10% bare ground). Lower Critical Threshold: A complete lack of bare ground (>95% cover) is suboptimal, as it can lead to competitive exclusion of native forbs by dominant grasses, reducing biodiversity. Some open ground is required for the establishment of these critical species. Optimal Range: An optimal range of 5-10% bare ground is inferred.