Soil Water Infiltration Rate

AUS-TMI-FOR-SWI General Low confidence

Benchmark Value

20 mm/hr

Direction: Higher is desirable ↑

Form: MinimumOnly

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 MinimumOnly form drives the primary score, while 1 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

MinimumOnly Primary MinimumOnly Guard

Evidence & Context

Indicative rates for sandy soils are inherently lower, generally exceeding 20 mm/hr.

Metric Definition:

Indicative minimum steady infiltration rate for healthy sandy soils.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark indicates the minimum infiltration rate expected for healthy sandy soils, reflecting typical soil physics characteristics in the Tropical & Subtropical Maritime Islands biome under production forestry.

Justification:

General baseline from soil physics literature indicating healthy infiltration rates for sandy soils.

Sources (1)

Preview of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Soil Quality Indicators: Infiltration.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Soil Quality Indicators: Infiltration. Journal

Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS)

View Source

Supporting Sources (4)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Early response of soil properties and function to riparian rainforest restoration - Lake Baroon Catchment Care Group, accessed July 18, 2025,

Early response of soil properties and function to riparian rainforest restoration - Lake Baroon Catchment Care Group, accessed July 18, 2025,

Direct Evidence GreyLiterature

Ecology of Nitrogen Fixing, Nitrifying, and Denitrifying ...

View Source

Preview of Gageler, R., et al. (2014). Restoring soil carbon, nitrogen and functionality in an Australian tropical catchment: a chronosequence approach. PLOS ONE, 9(8), e104198.

Gageler, R., et al. (2014). Restoring soil carbon, nitrogen and functionality in an Australian tropical catchment: a chronosequence approach. PLOS ONE, 9(8), e104198.

Contextual Support Journal

Early Response of Soil Properties and Function to Riparian Rainforest Restoration - PMC

View Source

Gregory, J. H., et al. (2006). Effect of urban soil compaction on infiltration rate. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 61(3), 117-124.

Direct Evidence Journal

Gregory, J. H., et al. (2006). Effect of urban soil compaction on infiltration rate. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 61(3), 117-124.

View Source

NSW Local Land Services. (2021). Healthy soils and water infiltration in the paddock.

Direct Evidence

NSW Local Land Services. (2021). Healthy soils and water infiltration in the paddock.

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Tropical & Subtropical Maritime Islands
Land Use Production Forestry
Assessment Not Stated
Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 5 Jun 2026

Notes

Sandy soils should have infiltration rates well above 20 mm/hr, but are susceptible to water repellency which can reduce effective infiltration. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.

Related Benchmarks

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