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
Lower Critical Threshold (θcrit): Estimated to be between 7% and 12% VWC. Below this, plant water stress significantly limits evapotranspiration and compromises essential ecological functions.
Lower critical soil moisture threshold (θcrit) below which plant water stress limits evapotranspiration
Soil moisture level below which evapotranspiration becomes significantly limited, inducing plant water stress and compromising key ecological functions in tropical monsoonal savannas under livestock grazing and pasture.
Based on global analyses and direct measurements in savanna ecosystems, with consideration of soil texture and aridity index.
Sources (1)
(PDF) Global critical soil moisture thresholds of plant water stress
View SourceSupporting Sources (3)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Seasonal 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 SourceTrends and variability of water balance components over a tropical savanna and Eucalyptus forest in Australia
View Source