Microbial Biomass Carbon (MBC)

AUS-TMS-CON-SMB General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range
Range: 400 to 650 mg/kg
Optimal Range: 400 to 650
Direction: Higher 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 9 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 8 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

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

Evidence & Context

The optimal functional range for MBC in this biome is estimated to be between approximately 400 and 650 mg/kg.

Metric Definition:

Optimal functional range of Microbial Biomass Carbon indicating healthy ecosystem function.

Benchmark Definition:

Range within which the ecosystem maintains dynamic equilibrium and resilience.

Justification:

Estimated from peer-reviewed literature and analogous tropical savanna ecosystems.

Sources (1)

Preview of Microbial Biomass C, N and P in Disturbed Dry Tropical Forest Soils, India
Microbial Biomass C, N and P in Disturbed Dry Tropical Forest Soils, India Journal

Microbial Biomass C, N and P in Disturbed Dry Tropical Forest Soils, India

View Source

Supporting Sources (4)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Altered soil microbial community at elevated CO2 leads to loss of soil carbon | PNAS, accessed August 5, 2025
Altered soil microbial community at elevated CO2 leads to loss of soil carbon | PNAS, accessed August 5, 2025
Contextual Support

Altered soil microbial community at elevated CO2 leads to loss of soil carbon | PNAS

View Source
Preview of functions-of-soil-organic-matter-and-the-effect-on-soil-properties.pdf.pdf, accessed July 19, 2025,
functions-of-soil-organic-matter-and-the-effect-on-soil-properties.pdf.pdf, accessed July 19, 2025,
Contextual Support Journal

The biodiversity cost of carbon sequestration in tropical savanna - PMC - PubMed Central

View Source
Preview of Interpreting Microbial Biomass Carbon | Fact Sheets | soilquality.org.au, accessed August 28, 2025,
Interpreting Microbial Biomass Carbon | Fact Sheets | soilquality.org.au, accessed August 28, 2025,
Direct Evidence GreyLiterature

Interpreting Microbial Biomass Carbon | Fact Sheets | soilquality.org.au

View Source
Preview of Supervising Scientist Report 671: Woody biomass dynamics at Paradise Farm, a long-term fire experiment in the savannas of northern Australia
Supervising Scientist Report 671: Woody biomass dynamics at Paradise Farm, a long-term fire experiment in the savannas of northern Australia
Direct Evidence

Supervising Scientist Report 671: Woody biomass dynamics at Paradise Farm, a long-term fire experiment in the savannas of northern Australia

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Tropical Monsoonal Savannas
  • Land Use Conservation / Protected Natural Areas
  • Assessment Pristine Reference
  • Season wet season
  • Evidence Type HealthyOperationalRange

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 5 Jun 2026

Notes

Within this range, the ecosystem efficiently cycles nutrients and demonstrates resilience to disturbances like fire.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TMS-CON-SMB family.

425 mg/kg Moderate
Conservation / Protected Natural Areas · Pristine Reference · wet season
Point Active v1