Soil Water Infiltration Rate

AUS-AMR-FOR-SWI General Low confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range
Range: 30 to 70 mm/hr
Optimal Range: 30 to 70
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: OptimalRange

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.

Evidence & Context

A benchmark range of 30–70 mm/hr is proposed. This range encapsulates the infiltration rates observed in the most ecologically functional and resilient arid woodland systems documented in the literature.

Metric Definition:

Steady-state soil water infiltration rate representing the rate at which water enters the soil profile under saturated conditions.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the steady-state soil water infiltration rate range that indicates healthy soil hydraulic function and ecosystem resilience in arid woodland systems under production forestry.

Justification:

The range is derived from field measurements in healthy, mature Acacia aneura (mulga) woodlands and rehabilitated soils, representing the best available ecological analogue for a high-functioning, sustainably managed forest in this biome.

Sources (1)

Preview of Water Infiltration Rates into Unponded and Ponded Soils in Central ..., accessed July 30, 2025
Water Infiltration Rates into Unponded and Ponded Soils in Central ..., accessed July 30, 2025 Government

Water Infiltration Rates into Unponded and Ponded Soils in Central ...

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Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Arid Mountain Ranges & Uplands
  • Land Use Production Forestry
  • Assessment Conservation Target
  • Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 4 Jun 2026

Notes

No upper detrimental threshold — higher values are always better up to natural saturation. The range represents a resilient system that efficiently captures water while minimizing risks associated with managed inputs.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-AMR-FOR-SWI family.