Soil Water Infiltration Rate

AUS-TSR-LVG-SWI General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

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

Evidence & Context

For fine-textured clay soils, where the best-case scenario is already low, a rate below 1 mm/hr would signify a critical state of degradation.

Metric Definition:

Soil water infiltration rate below which ecosystem function is critically impaired for fine-textured clay soils.

Benchmark Definition:

Lower critical threshold for infiltration rate indicating severe degradation in fine-textured clay soils.

Justification:

This threshold is supported by evidence showing that sodic soils can see rates drop to less than 0.2 mm/hr.

Sources (1)

Preview of A framework relating soil surface condition to infiltration and sediment and nutrient mobilization in grazed rangelands of northeastern Queensland, Australia | Request PDF - ResearchGate
A framework relating soil surface condition to infiltration and sediment and nutrient mobilization in grazed rangelands of northeastern Queensland, Australia | Request PDF - ResearchGate Journal

A framework relating soil surface condition to infiltration and sediment and nutrient mobilization in grazed rangelands of northeastern Queensland, Australia | Request PDF - ResearchGate

View Source

Supporting Sources (3)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Effects of soil degradation on infiltration rates in grazed semiarid rangelands of northeastern Patagonia, Argentina - project bedrock
Effects of soil degradation on infiltration rates in grazed semiarid rangelands of northeastern Patagonia, Argentina - project bedrock
Direct Evidence Journal

Landscape rehydration and regenerative agriculture improves soil health, accessed July 23, 2025

View Source
Preview of Nutrient surpluses in Australian grazing systems: management practices, policy approaches, and difficult choices to improve water quality - ResearchGate
Nutrient surpluses in Australian grazing systems: management practices, policy approaches, and difficult choices to improve water quality - ResearchGate
Contextual Support Journal

Nutrient surpluses in Australian grazing systems: management practices, policy approaches, and difficult choices to improve water quality - ResearchGate

View Source
Preview of Soil health for vegetable production in Australia - Department of Primary Industries, Queensland, accessed July 18, 2025,
Soil health for vegetable production in Australia - Department of Primary Industries, Queensland, accessed July 18, 2025,
Direct Evidence Journal

Understanding soil tests for pastures | Soil | Farm management ..., accessed July 18, 2025,

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Tropical & Subtropical Rainforests
  • Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
  • Assessment Not Stated
  • Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 5 Jun 2026

Notes

Below this rate, fine-textured clay soils are critically degraded. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.