Bare Ground
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 11 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 10 guard(s) constrain the result.
Evidence & Context
A benchmark of < 20% Bare Ground is a robust and scientifically defensible representation of a high-health, best-practice grazing system.
Bare Ground (%) is defined as the percentage of exposed soil surface not covered by vegetation (living or dead) or litter.
This benchmark represents a high-health grazing system in the Tropical & Subtropical Maritime Islands biome where bare ground is kept below 20%, minimizing soil exposure to maintain ecological health.
This value is a proxy derived from best-practice guidelines for analogous mainland Australian tropical grazing systems. It represents an aspirational target for high ecological health, where bare ground is minimized to prevent erosion and maintain soil function.
Sources (1)
Grazing water quality risk framework 2017-2022 - Reef 2050 Water ..., accessed July 19, 2025,
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