Litter Cover
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
Based on the evidence that such systems can produce biomass levels (8-15 t/ha) well in excess of what is required for complete soil coverage (approx. 7 t/ha), the reference benchmark for a high-functioning state is determined to be >90% cover.
Litter cover, defined as the proportion of the soil surface covered by dead plant material.
This benchmark represents the minimum litter cover percentage (>90%) considered indicative of a high-functioning tropical savanna cropping system under best-practice regenerative management.
This benchmark is derived from the demonstrated capacity of recommended high-biomass wet-season cover crops (e.g., forage sorghum, pearl millet) to produce 8-15 t/ha of dry matter, which exceeds the ~7 t/ha of similar residue required for complete (100%) soil cover.
Sources (2)
Melon cover crops - Northern Territory Government, accessed July 23, 2025
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Surface cover and thickness of straw layer according to the increased... - ResearchGate, accessed July 23, 2025
View SourceSupporting Sources (4)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Grazing-management-for-soil-carbon-in-Australia-A-review.pdf - University of Tasmania, accessed April 29, 2025,
View SourceManaging stubble | General agronomy | Crop production | Grains ..., accessed July 23, 2025
View SourceSRL123 Inhibition of Wheat by Sorghum Residue Under Several ..., accessed July 23, 2025
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The relationships between land management practices and ... - DAFF, accessed July 23, 2025
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