Bare Ground — Benchmark Detail

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range

Range: 10 to 20 %

Optimal Range: 10 to 20

Direction: Lower 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 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

Optimal Range: Levels of bare ground at or below 10-20% (80-90%+ cover), ideally approaching ≤10%, are associated with optimal ecosystem function, including good soil health, efficient water use, and high pasture productivity.

Metric Definition:

Range of bare ground percentages associated with optimal ecosystem function under sustainable grazing.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the optimal range of bare ground percentage in temperate dry woodlands and native grasslands under livestock grazing, associated with healthy soil, efficient water use, and high pasture productivity.

Justification:

The literature consistently indicates that maintaining bare ground at or below 10-20% constitutes a range associated with high ecological function, soil health, productivity, and resilience.