Microbial Biomass Carbon (MBC)
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 4 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 3 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
The primary benchmark for a healthy, functional system under best-practice regenerative grazing is an MBC value in the range of 200 – 350 mg C/kg soil (0-10 cm depth).
Microbial Biomass Carbon (MBC)
This benchmark defines the healthy range of microbial biomass carbon in soil under conservation-focused grazing management in arid karstic woodlands and shrublands, indicating a functional soil ecosystem.
Derived by triangulating values from semi-arid Western Australian systems, well-managed Queensland pastures, and international rangeland and karst studies.
Sources (7)
Characterization of Microbial Carbon Metabolism in Karst Soils from Citrus Orchards and Analysis of Its Environmental Drivers - MDPI
View Sourcewww.soilquality.org.au
View SourceMicrobial biomass carbon and some soil properties as influenced by long-term sodic-water irrigation, gypsum, and organic amendments - CSIRO Publishing
View SourceSynthesis of Australian Rangeland SOC Data from CSIRO, Peer-Reviewed Literature, and Government Reports
View SourceSoil carbon sequestration in rangelands: A critical review of the impacts of major management strategies - ResearchGate, accessed July 23, 2025
View SourceSoil Microbial Biomass Carbon and Nitrogen in Himalayan Rangeland of Eastern Nepal: A Comparison between Grazed and Non-grazed Rangelands - ResearchGate
View SourceSoil microbial biomass—Interpretation and consideration for soil monitoring - ResearchGate
View Source