Bare Ground
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 16 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 15 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
Under these regulations, grazing land with less than 50% ground cover (translating to more than 50% bare ground) as of 30 September each year is classified as being in 'poor condition' and legally requires the land manager to implement remedial actions to improve it.
Bare Ground (%) is defined as the percentage of the soil surface that is exposed and not covered by living or dead plant material (litter).
This benchmark represents the maximum allowable bare ground percentage in grazing lands within Australia's tropical rainforest biome before the land is classified as being in poor condition requiring remedial action.
This regulatory threshold reflects a biophysical tipping point where ecological function is significantly compromised, supported by government regulations and industry guidelines.
Sources (1)
Best practice farming in Great Barrier Reef catchments | Business Queensland, accessed July 20, 2025,
View SourceSupporting Sources (3)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Case Study - Regenerative Rangelands - Landcare Australia, accessed July 23, 2025
View SourceMaintain and improve groundcover - Local Land Services
View Source
Reef Water Quality Report Card, accessed July 19, 2025,
View Source