Soil Nitrogen
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 2 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 1 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
A Lower Critical Threshold is identified not as a simple value, but as a state of persistent negative nitrogen balance, leading to the degradation of soil capital. This is indicated by TSN levels below approximately 1000 mg/kg for heavier soils and 400 mg/kg for sands.
Total Soil Nitrogen (TSN) concentration below which persistent negative nitrogen balance leads to soil degradation
Lower critical threshold of TSN indicating persistent negative nitrogen balance and soil degradation in loam and clay soils under agricultural crop production.
Based on nutrient budget studies and soil health surveys indicating that TSN levels below 1000 mg/kg for loam/clay soils correspond to a state of negative nitrogen balance and degradation.
Sources (1)
Soil health stocktake Queensland - GRDC
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Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Strategic tillage of a long-term, no-till soil has little impact on soil characteristics or crop growth over five years
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