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
Optimal Range: For overall ecosystem health, soil moisture is considered optimal when ranging from above the critical lower threshold (e.g., >10-12% VWC) up to Field Capacity (typically 10-25% VWC for common sandy savanna soils, but can be higher for finer textures or during peak wetness).
Optimal soil moisture range supporting peak ecological function and productivity
Soil moisture range from above critical lower threshold to field capacity supporting optimal plant growth and ecosystem processes in tropical monsoonal savannas under livestock grazing and pasture.
Reflects plant available water between onset of stress and field capacity, varies with soil texture and management.
Sources (1)
Seasonal Patterns in Soil Moisture, Vapour Pressure Deficit, Tree Canopy Cover and Pre-dawn Water Potential in a Northern Australian Savanna.
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 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