Gully Density

AUS-TDG-FOR-GUL General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

0 m/ha
Range: 0 to 0 m/ha
Optimal Range: 0 to 0
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: Point

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 5 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 4 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary Point Guard Point Guard Point Guard Point Guard

Evidence & Context

Based on the principles of sustainable forest management, the objectives of best-practice erosion control, and the definition of "best available condition," the proposed benchmark for active gully density is derived as follows: Reference Value: 0 m/ha of active gullies.

Metric Definition:

Gully Density is specifically defined as the "length of active gullies per hectare."

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the best available condition for active gully density, indicating minimal erosion and high landscape stability in Australian temperate dry woodlands and native grasslands under sustainable production forestry.

Justification:

The benchmark of 0 m/ha is derived from the fundamental objectives of forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) aiming to prevent/remediate erosion, and supported by predictive modelling showing 0 km/km² gully density is achievable. Moderate confidence is due to strong inferential support but limited direct empirical measurements from the specific land use/biome combination at "best practice" level.

Sources (1)

Preview of Best Management Practices for retained areas in forestry plantations ...
Best Management Practices for retained areas in forestry plantations ... Journal

Best Management Practices for retained areas in forestry plantations ...

View Source

Supporting Sources (8)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of (PDF) Drivers of Gully Erosion and its Socio-economic and Environmental Effects in a Tropical Semi-arid Environment - ResearchGate, accessed May 11, 2025,
(PDF) Drivers of Gully Erosion and its Socio-economic and Environmental Effects in a Tropical Semi-arid Environment - ResearchGate, accessed May 11, 2025,
Contextual Support Journal

(PDF) Drivers of Gully Erosion and its Socio-economic and Environmental Effects in a Tropical Semi-arid Environment - ResearchGate

View Source
Preview of Australia's State of the Forests Report 2018 13 Criterion 4 - DAFF, accessed August 1, 2025,
Australia's State of the Forests Report 2018 13 Criterion 4 - DAFF, accessed August 1, 2025,
Contextual Support Journal

Victoria's State of the Forests Report 2013, accessed March 28, 2026,

View Source
Preview of Minimum width requirements for riparian zones to protect flowing waters and to conserve biodiversity, accessed July 7, 2025,
Minimum width requirements for riparian zones to protect flowing waters and to conserve biodiversity, accessed July 7, 2025,
Contextual Support Journal

The East Gippsland Soil Erosion Management Plan - Victorian Resources Online, accessed May 15, 2025

View Source
Preview of Minimum width requirements for riparian zones to protect flowing waters and to conserve biodiversity, accessed May 15, 2025
Minimum width requirements for riparian zones to protect flowing waters and to conserve biodiversity, accessed May 15, 2025
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Managing gully erosion as an efficient approach to improving water quality in the Great Barrier Reef lagoon - CSIRO Research Publications Repository, accessed May 15, 2025

View Source
Preview of Native Vegetation of the Southern Forests: South-east Highlands, Australian Alps, South-west Slopes, and SE Corner bioregions, accessed May 15, 2025
Native Vegetation of the Southern Forests: South-east Highlands, Australian Alps, South-west Slopes, and SE Corner bioregions, accessed May 15, 2025
Contextual Support

Native Vegetation of the Southern Forests: South-east Highlands, Australian Alps, South-west Slopes, and SE Corner bioregions, accessed May 15, 2025

View Source
Preview of Temperate forests and soils [Chapter 6], accessed August 10, 2025,
Temperate forests and soils [Chapter 6], accessed August 10, 2025,
Contextual Support

A review of the potential impacts of different fire regimes on soil erosion and sedimentation, nutrient and carb, accessed May 15, 2025

View Source
Preview of The Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox - CSIRO, accessed July 20, 2025,
The Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox - CSIRO, accessed July 20, 2025,
Contextual Support Government

The Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox - CSIRO, accessed May 15, 2025

View Source
Preview of www.dpi.nsw.gov.au, accessed May 15, 2025
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au, accessed May 15, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

Factors affecting forest health, accessed August 28, 2025,

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands
  • Land Use Production Forestry
  • Assessment Pristine Reference
  • Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 24 Mar 2026

Notes

Upper Detrimental Threshold: persistent densities > 5-10 m/ha indicate significant management failure and a degraded state. Lower Critical Threshold: > 0 m/ha (any active gully indicates departure from best condition). Optimal Range: 0 m/ha.