Litter Cover

Benchmark Value

10 %

Range: 10 to — %

Thresholds: Lower: 10, Upper: —

Optimal Range: 10 to —

Direction: Higher is desirable ↑

Form: Point

Scoring Curve

This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context.

Evidence & Context

In sub-alpine woodlands, an organic litter cover of 10% is identified as a threshold for adequate ecological condition.

Metric Definition:

Percentage of the plot covered by organic litter.

Benchmark Definition:

In the Australian Alpine and Subalpine Complex, a 10% organic litter cover in sub-alpine woodlands indicates adequate ecological condition and supports soil health and biodiversity.

Justification:

This value is part of a multi-metric scoring system where the presence of at least 10% organic litter indicates a functional surface layer capable of supporting soil health and invertebrate biodiversity.

Sources (1)

Preview of Assessment of Habitat Quality: Subalpine

Assessment of Habitat Quality: Subalpine Journal

Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA). (2011). Assessment of Habitat Quality: Subalpine.

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Supporting Sources (13)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

AHF Freshwater aquatic herbland

Direct Evidence Journal

AHF Freshwater aquatic herbland

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Assessing the quality of native vegetation: The 'habitat hectares' approach

Direct Evidence Journal

short-term review

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Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). (2020). Victorian Alps Bioregion EVC Benchmarks.

Contextual Support Direct Evidence Journal

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). (2020). Victorian Alps Bioregion EVC Benchmarks.

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Flora and Fauna Report 2022

Direct Evidence Journal

Flora and Fauna Report 2022

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Gelliondale Flora and Fauna Report

Direct Evidence Journal

Gelliondale Flora and Fauna Report

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Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation - Environment

Direct Evidence Journal

Native Vegetation Integrity Benchmarks - Environment and Heritage, accessed April 6, 2026

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Preview of Holmquist, J. G., Schmidt-Gengenbach, J., & Haultain, S. A. (2013). Effects of a Long-Term Disturbance on Arthropods and Vegetation in Subalpine Wetlands. PLOS ONE, 8(1).

Holmquist, J. G., Schmidt-Gengenbach, J., & Haultain, S. A. (2013). Effects of a Long-Term Disturbance on Arthropods and Vegetation in Subalpine Wetlands. PLOS ONE, 8(1).

Contextual Support Journal

Holmquist, J. G., Schmidt-Gengenbach, J., & Haultain, S. A. (2013). Effects of a Long-Term Disturbance on Arthropods and Vegetation in Subalpine Wetlands. PLOS ONE, 8(1).

View Source

Mapping Windthrow Severity as Change in Canopy Cover in a Temperate Eucalypt Forest

Direct Evidence Methodology Source Journal

Somerville, M. et al. (2019). Function attribute benchmarks for the Biodiversity Assessment Method. NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.

View Source