Bare Ground — Benchmark Detail

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range

Range: 5 to 10 %

Optimal Range: 5 to 10

Direction: Lower is desirable ↓

Form: OptimalRange

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

OptimalRange Primary Point Guard MaximumOnly Guard

Evidence & Context

An optimal range for Bare Ground (%) in well-managed Production Forestry coupes (encompassing operational areas, retained patches, and post-harvest recovery zones) would likely be <5% - 10%.

Metric Definition:

Bare Ground (%) - the percentage of ground surface area that is exposed soil without vegetative cover.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the optimal range of bare ground percentage in well-managed production forestry areas, supporting ecosystem health and minimizing erosion in tropical monsoonal savannas.

Justification:

Reflects natural state of healthy savanna woodlands with high litter/grass cover; minimizes erosion risk; supports biodiversity and sustainable production.

Sources (1)

Preview of Queensland Department of Resources (2023) "Accepted development vegetation clearing code: Managing a native forest practice"

Queensland Department of Resources (2023) "Accepted development vegetation clearing code: Managing a native forest practice" Journal

www.qld.gov.au, accessed May 15, 2025

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Tropical Monsoonal Savannas
Land Use Production Forestry
Assessment Conservation Target
Evidence Type HealthyOperationalRange

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 2
Effective From 24 Mar 2026

Notes

Optimal range is not static and varies seasonally and with natural disturbances but should remain low overall. Accepted by operator on 2026-03-24 19:27 UTC — superseded v1 (#1924)

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TMS-FOR-BAR family.