Litter Cover
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 4 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 3 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
Based on this converging evidence, a lower critical threshold for Litter Cover (%) is set at <40%.
Litter Cover (%) - the percentage of ground surface covered by organic litter such as fallen leaves, twigs, and bark in tropical rainforest production forestry.
This benchmark defines the lower critical threshold of litter cover below which the protective function against soil erosion is significantly compromised in tropical rainforest production forestry.
Supported by studies showing loss of protective function and increased erosion below 40% litter cover in tropical plantations and rainfall simulation experiments.
Sources (3)
The Effect of Leaf Litter Cover on Surface Runoff and Soil Erosion in Northern China - PMC
View SourceThe effect of litter layer on controlling surface runoff and erosion in rubber plantations on tropical mountain slopes, SW China | Request PDF - ResearchGate
View SourceTrampling resistance of tropical rainforest soils and vegetation in the wet tropics of North East Australia | Request PDF - ResearchGate
View SourceSupporting Sources (2)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Combined Effects of Fire and Selective Timber Harvesting on Forest Structure, Composition and Topsoil Properties in a Sub-Tropical Eucalypt Forest (Ryan et al. 2021)
View SourceUsing experimental manipulation to assess the roles of leaf litter in the functioning of forest ecosystems
View Source