Basal Area

AUS-TMI-FOR-BAS General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

19 m²/ha
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 12 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 11 guard(s) constrain the result.

Evidence & Context

The value of 19.0 m²/ha, derived from the maximum stocking index (P95 BA) of the Corymbia citriodora forest type in the Lewis et al. (2021) study, is proposed as the primary reference benchmark.

Metric Definition:

Basal area is defined as the total cross-sectional area of all tree stems in a stand, measured at breast height (1.3 meters above the ground), expressed as area per unit of land area, typically square meters per hectare (m²/ha).

Benchmark Definition:

Basal area is the total cross-sectional area of all tree stems in a stand at breast height, expressed as m²/ha.

Justification:

This value represents the 95th percentile of observed basal area (P95 BA), indicating a fully stocked stand approaching its self-thinning limit, serving as a high-functioning upper-range benchmark for sustainably managed production forest.

Sources (1)

Preview of Native Forests Show Resilience to Selective Timber Harvesting in Southeast Queensland, Australia
Native Forests Show Resilience to Selective Timber Harvesting in Southeast Queensland, Australia Journal

Resilience of selectively harvested forests to timber harvesting in subtropical Australia

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Tropical & Subtropical Maritime Islands
  • Land Use Production Forestry
  • Assessment Pristine Reference
  • Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

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

Notes

The forestry industry on the Tiwi Islands is in transition and lacks long-term ecological data; this benchmark is based on a well-managed analogue system in Queensland. The concept of an upper detrimental threshold is not supported; values above 19 m²/ha represent natural saturation.