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 16 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 15 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
Once Basal Area rises into the range typical of a moderate woodland (e.g., exceeding 15 to 20 m²/ha), the negative competitive impacts on crop yield would become unsustainable for a viable agricultural operation.
Basal Area is the cross-sectional area of tree stems per unit of ground area.
This benchmark defines the upper basal area threshold above which competition for water causes unsustainable crop yield loss, making integrated cropping economically unviable in Australia's Arid Inland Floodplains.
The upper threshold is based on evidence of competition for water causing unsustainable crop yield loss in water-limited environments.
Sources (1)
Regional differences in tree–crop competition due to soil, climate and management - CSIRO Publishing
View SourceSupporting Sources (3)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Vegetation mapping of the Barwon-Darling and Condamine ...
View SourceScattered paddock trees - Local Land Services - NSW Government
View SourceTree decline and the future of Australian farmland biodiversity - PMC - PubMed Central
View Source