Basal Area
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 5 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 4 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
A basal area in the range of 25³28 mb2/ha can be confidently identified as a critical lower boundary.
Stand basal area is the sum of the cross-sectional area of all living tree stems, measured at 1.3 meters above the ground (DBH), within a given unit of land area.
A basal area of 28 m²/ha represents the critical lower boundary below which forest structure and function are compromised in Australian tropical rainforests.
Forests with basal areas falling consistently below this level are structurally simplified, show severely compromised recovery potential, and are ecologically degraded.
Sources (1)
Patterns of basal area increment, mortality and recruitment were related to logging intensity in subtropical rainforest in Australia over 35 years | Request PDF - ResearchGate
View SourceSupporting Sources (4)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Estimating the relative magnitude of expected increases in soil ..., accessed July 18, 2025
View SourceLowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia ecological community - conservation advice
View SourceLowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia ecological community - listing advice
View SourceVegetation and floristics of a lowland tropical rainforest in northeast ...
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