Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)

AUS-AIF-LVG-SOC General Low confidence

Benchmark Value

1 %
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: MinimumOnly

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 2 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 1 guard(s) constrain the result.

Evidence & Context

A critical lower threshold below which ecosystem function is significantly impaired is estimated to be less than 1.0% SOC. Below this level, the fertile clay soils typical of the biome become highly vulnerable to degradation.

Metric Definition:

Critical lower threshold of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) below which essential soil functions degrade.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the critical minimum soil organic carbon level below which soil functions degrade and land degradation risk increases in the arid inland floodplains biome under grazing.

Justification:

Inferred from general soil science principles and expert knowledge due to lack of specific biome data.

Sources (1)

Preview of Carbon storage value of native vegetation on a subhumid–semi-arid floodplain
Carbon storage value of native vegetation on a subhumid–semi-arid floodplain Journal

Carbon storage value of native vegetation on a subhumid–semi-arid floodplain

View Source

Supporting Sources (1)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Carbon storage in temperate and semi-arid Australian plant communities containing cotton
Carbon storage in temperate and semi-arid Australian plant communities containing cotton
Contextual Support Journal

Baseline map of organic carbon in Australian soil to support national carbon accounting and monitoring under climate change

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Arid Inland Floodplains & Ephemeral River Systems
  • Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
  • Assessment Conservation Target
  • Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 3 Jun 2026

Notes

Represents a state of significant degradation to be avoided for sustainable grazing.