Fungal:Bacterial Ratio

AUS-TGP-CON-SFB General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

1 index
Thresholds: Lower: 1, Upper: —
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: LowerThreshold

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 7 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 6 guard(s) constrain the result.

Evidence & Context

Based on the literature, an F:B ratio of < 1.0 represents this critical threshold.

Metric Definition:

Fungal:Bacterial Ratio threshold below which soil ecosystem function is impaired.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the critical lower threshold of the fungal to bacterial biomass ratio below which soil ecosystem function is impaired in Australian Temperate Grassy Woodlands.

Justification:

An F:B ratio below 1.0 indicates bacterial dominance, rapid nutrient cycling, and increased susceptibility to degradation.

Sources (1)

Preview of (PDF) The measurement of soil fungal:bacterial biomass ratios as an ..., accessed July 19, 2025,
(PDF) The measurement of soil fungal:bacterial biomass ratios as an ..., accessed July 19, 2025, Journal

Soil microbial community composition under Eucalyptus plantations of different age in subtropical China - ResearchGate, accessed July 23, 2025

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Supporting Sources (2)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Different responses of soil fungal and bacterial communities to nitrogen addition in a forest grassland ecotone - Frontiers
Different responses of soil fungal and bacterial communities to nitrogen addition in a forest grassland ecotone - Frontiers
Contextual Support Journal

Different responses of soil fungal and bacterial communities to nitrogen addition in a forest grassland ecotone - Frontiers

View Source
Preview of Restoring Australia's temperate grasslands and grassy woodlands | Request PDF - ResearchGate, accessed August 12, 2025,
Restoring Australia's temperate grasslands and grassy woodlands | Request PDF - ResearchGate, accessed August 12, 2025,
Contextual Support

Restoring Australia's temperate grasslands and grassy woodlands | Request PDF - ResearchGate, accessed May 19, 2025,

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Temperate Grassy Woodlands & Plains
  • Land Use Conservation / Protected Natural Areas
  • Assessment Conservation Target
  • Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 23 Mar 2026

Notes

Low F:B ratios are linked to increased weed invasion and degraded soil conditions. No upper detrimental threshold — higher values are always better up to natural saturation.