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 6 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 5 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
An Upper Detrimental Threshold is well-established; basal area exceeding approximately 8.0 - 10.0 m²/ha signifies "woody thickening," which suppresses pasture, reduces carrying capacity, and is a key indicator of land degradation in grazing systems.
Lower boundary of basal area beyond which woody thickening and land degradation occur in grazing systems.
Threshold basal area indicating onset of woody thickening and degradation in grazed arid woodlands.
Based on management guidelines and ecological studies linking basal area above this value to pasture suppression and land degradation.
Sources (1)
Reducing the impacts of grazing on water quality - EPA Victoria, accessed July 10, 2025,
View SourceSupporting Sources (3)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Environmental flow requirements in arid zone rivers- A case study from the Lake Eyre Basin, central Australia - ResearchGate
View SourceLand condition - FutureBeef
View SourcePersistence of in-stream waterholes in ephemeral rivers of tropical northern Australia and potential impacts of climate change - CSIRO PUBLISHING | Marine and Freshwater Research
View Source