Soil Moisture
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 2 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 1 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
The proposed reference for topsoil moisture under best-practice management, supporting optimal ecological function and plant resilience, is an observed wet season volumetric water content (VWC) range of 15% to 27%.
Volumetric water content (VWC) in the topsoil during the wet season
Volumetric water content (VWC) in the topsoil during the wet season indicative of best-practice management in tropical monsoonal savannas under livestock grazing and pasture.
Derived from field measurements in comparable savanna ecosystems reflecting conditions conducive to active plant growth and ecosystem processes, supported by TERN CosmOz data and regenerative grazing principles.
Sources (1)
Trends and variability of water balance components over a tropical savanna and Eucalyptus forest in Australia
View SourceSupporting Sources (3)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
(PDF) Global critical soil moisture thresholds of plant water stress
View SourceSeasonal Patterns in Soil Moisture, Vapour Pressure Deficit, Tree Canopy Cover and Pre-dawn Water Potential in a Northern Australian Savanna.
View Source
Soil, plant and livestock interactions in Australian tropical ... - Brill
View Source