Microbial Biomass Carbon (MBC)
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 3 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 2 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
The optimal range for a functioning, sustainable system is considered to be 200–400 mg/kg.
Optimal functional range for Microbial Biomass Carbon (MBC) indicating a healthy, sustainably managed system.
This benchmark defines the optimal range of Microbial Biomass Carbon that indicates a healthy and sustainably managed soil system in temperate semi-arid woodlands under production forestry.
Spans the zone from a minimally acceptable state to the 'attainable microbial biomass' for a healthy, well-managed system under the given climatic and land-use constraints.
Sources (1)
Green Carbon in the Great Western Woodlands: A global opportunity for conservation, climate change and sustainable futures
View SourceSupporting Sources (2)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Interpreting Microbial Biomass Carbon | Fact Sheets | soilquality.org.au
View SourceRefining benchmarks for soil organic carbon in Australia's temperate ...
View Source