Basal Area

AUS-AMR-LVG-BAS General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

2.6 m²/ha
Range: 1 to 5 m²/ha
Thresholds: Lower: 0, Upper: 15
Optimal Range: 1 to 5
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: Point

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 4 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 3 guard(s) constrain the result.

Evidence & Context

The mean value of 2.6 m²/ha for the grazed control plots in arid A. aneura woodlands is the most robust and relevant figure.

Metric Definition:

Basal area, the cross-sectional area of tree stems at a standardized height (typically breast height), provides a robust measure of stand density and the size of mature trees.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the typical basal area in grazed arid A. aneura woodlands within the Arid Mountain Ranges & Uplands biome, reflecting a stable and functional condition under livestock grazing.

Justification:

This value is selected as it represents the 'best-on-offer' real-world condition for a functional, sustainably managed grazing landscape, rather than an ungrazed wilderness state.

Sources (1)

Preview of Does grazing exclusion in Australia's rangelands affect biomass and debris carbon stocks?
Does grazing exclusion in Australia's rangelands affect biomass and debris carbon stocks? Journal

Does grazing exclusion in Australia's rangelands affect biomass and debris carbon stocks?

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Arid Mountain Ranges & Uplands
  • Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
  • Assessment Pristine Reference
  • Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 22 Mar 2026

Notes

Lower Critical Threshold: 0 m²/ha. Upper Detrimental Threshold: 15 m²/ha. Optimal functional range approximately 1.0–5.0 m²/ha.