Bare Ground — Benchmark Detail

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range

Range: 30 to 40 %

Optimal Range: 30 to 40

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 8 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 7 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary MaximumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard MaximumOnly Guard Point Guard MaximumOnly Guard MinimumOnly Guard Point Guard

Evidence & Context

Based on these considerations, sustained Bare Ground (%) levels exceeding 30-40% across significant portions of a forestry coupe (i.e., not just isolated, very small patches) would likely indicate a detrimental state.

Metric Definition:

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

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark indicates the range of bare ground percentage beyond which ecological degradation is likely in tropical monsoonal savanna production forestry areas.

Justification:

Associated with significant increases in erosion risk, soil degradation, and negative impacts on biodiversity and regeneration.

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 Pristine Reference
Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

Status Retired
Version 1
Effective From 24 Mar 2026

Notes

Levels above 50% are clearly unacceptable and indicative of severe degradation.

Related Benchmarks

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