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. The scoring engine uses 4 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 3 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
This derived value of 30-40% litter cover represents a state of high ecological function. It is substantial enough to provide the critical benefits of soil protection, moisture retention, and nutrient cycling. At the same time, it is well below the extremely high levels (>60-70%) that are associated with the suppression of grass diversity and the development of dangerous fuel loads.
Litter cover refers specifically to the percentage of the ground surface that is obscured by detached, non-living plant material when viewed from directly above.
This benchmark represents the optimal litter cover percentage in Australian Tropical Monsoonal Savannas under best-practice livestock grazing, balancing soil protection, moisture retention, nutrient cycling, biodiversity maintenance, and fire risk management.
Derived from long-term ecological stability and health observed in the moderate stocking rate treatment at the Wambiana grazing trial, representing a balance between soil protection and fire risk.
Sources (1)
Wambiana grazing trial - FutureBeef
View SourceSupporting Sources (31)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
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View SourceAdvice to the Minister for the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts from the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the C - DCCEEW, accessed July 23, 2025,
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View SourcePlantation tree growth responses to P, N, K and minor and trace elements on low fertility savanna soils - CSIRO Publishing
View SourceDynamics of the Leaf-Litter Arthropod Fauna Following Fire in a Neotropical Woodland Savanna - Our journal portfolio - PLOS, accessed July 23, 2025,
View SourceBiogeographical patterns of the soil fungal:bacterial ratio across France - PubMed Central
View SourceLivestock grazing management and biodiversity conservation in Australian temperate grassy landscapes
View SourceCorrelates of grass-species composition in a savanna woodland in ..., accessed July 23, 2025,
View SourceGrazing management impacts on vegetation, soil biota and soil chemical, physical and hydrological properties in tall grass prairie, accessed July 23, 2025,
View SourceRiparian health improves with managerial effort to implement livestock distribution practices
View SourceGrazing-management-for-soil-carbon-in-Australia-A-review.pdf - University of Tasmania, accessed April 29, 2025,
View SourceInvasive Andropogon gayanus (Gamba grass) alters litter decomposition and nitrogen fluxes in an Australian tropical savanna - PubMed, accessed July 23, 2025,
View SourceInvasive Andropogon gayanus (Gamba grass) alters litter decomposition and nitrogen fluxes in an Australian tropical savanna, accessed July 23, 2025,
View SourceNorfolk Island Environmental Assessment Executive Summary
View SourceMaintain ground cover | Meat & Livestock Australia
View SourceMaintain and improve groundcover - Local Land Services
View SourceWambiana grazing trial - FutureBeef, accessed July 23, 2025,
View SourceErosion and sediment yields in the Kakadu region of northern Australia - INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HYDROLOGICAL SCIENCES
View SourceAn Overview of Ecological Indicators of Fish to Evaluate the Anthropogenic Pressures in Aquatic Ecosystems: From Traditional to Innovative DNA-Based Approaches - MDPI, accessed July 24, 2025,
View SourceGeoscience Australia. (2025, April 30). DEA Fractional Cover (Landsat). Digital Earth Australia.
View SourceNugent, D. R., Baker-Gabb, D. J., Green, P., Leonard, S. W. J., & Morgan, J. W. (2022). Multi-scale habitat selection by a cryptic, critically endangered grassland bird—The Plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus): Implications for habitat management and conservation. Austral Ecology, 47(2), 285-299.
View SourceReef protection regulations Grazing guide Version 2 - Queensland Government, accessed July 18, 2025
View SourceSavanna - Flora, Fauna, Ecology | Britannica, accessed July 23, 2025,
View SourceSustainable land management practices for graziers - NSW Department of Primary Industries, accessed July 23, 2025,
View SourceTargeted Livestock Grazing to Suppress Cheatgrass - Montana State University, accessed July 23, 2025,
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View SourceHunt, L. P., Petty, S., Cowley, R., Fisher, A., Ash, A., & MacDonald, N. (2014). Principles and guidelines for managing cattle grazing in the grazing lands of northern Australia: stocking rates, pasture resting, prescribed fire, paddock size and water points – a review. Rangeland Journal, 36(2), 109-130.
View SourceWambiana: Grazing strategies and tools to improve profitability and land condition - Department of Primary Industries, Queensland, accessed July 23, 2025,
View SourceWard, M., Murphy, H., Liedloff, A., & Cook, G. (2024). Does grazing exclusion in Australia's rangelands affect biomass and carbon stocks in woody vegetation? Rangeland Journal, 46(2), 103-119.
View SourceRegenerative Agriculture Program restoring soil pH case study: Macdonald, Whites Flat/Koppio, accessed July 18, 2025,
View Source