Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)
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 2 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 1 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
This range is anchored by the measured value of ~0.64% at the sandy TERN Alice Mulga site and extends towards the lower critical threshold of 1.0%. It reflects the low protection capacity of these soils.
Indicative healthy SOC range (%) for sandy soils (Tenosols, sandy Kandosols) in the Arid Mountain Ranges & Uplands biome under conservation use.
This benchmark indicates the typical soil organic carbon range for sandy soils in the Arid Mountain Ranges & Uplands biome under conservation, reflecting their limited capacity to store organic carbon.
Based on measured SOC at the TERN Alice Mulga SuperSite and supported by soil texture influence on SOC storage capacity.
Sources (1)
Great Western Woodlands, Ground Water Data, 2014 - TERN Data Discovery Portal, accessed July 10, 2025,
View SourceSupporting Sources (2)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Is there a critical level of organic matter in the agricultural soils of temperate regions: A review | Request PDF - ResearchGate
View SourceThe relationship between soil organic carbon and soil surface characteristics in the semi-arid rangelands of southern Australia
View Source