Soil Nitrogen
Benchmark Value
Scoring Curve
This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context.
Evidence & Context
A lower critical threshold for topsoil (0–10 cm) is identified at approximately 1450 mg/kg, below which the soil's capacity to accumulate and stabilize organic carbon is significantly constrained.
Lower critical threshold of total soil nitrogen in the top 10 cm below which ecosystem function is impaired.
Critical lower threshold of total soil nitrogen indicating functional impairment of soil carbon sequestration.
Identified by a landmark study using interpretable machine learning showing constraint on soil organic carbon accumulation below this threshold.
Sources (1)
Total nitrogen levels as a key constraint on soil organic carbon ...
View SourceSupporting Sources (2)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Soil and fertilizer phosphorus: Effects on plant P supply and mycorrhizal development - Canadian Science Publishing, accessed August 28, 2025
View SourceSoil Nitrogen Supply | Fact Sheets | soilquality.org.au, accessed May 11, 2025,
View Source