Soil pH
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 16 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 15 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
Based on the available evidence, a reference range of pH (CaCl₂) 5.0 - 6.5 is proposed for topsoil in Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands under best-practice production forestry.
Soil pH measured in a 1:5 soil:0.01M CaCl₂ solution, representing soil acidity or alkalinity affecting nutrient availability and ecosystem health.
This benchmark represents the optimal soil pH range measured in CaCl₂ solution for topsoil in Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands under best-practice production forestry, indicating soil acidity or alkalinity that supports nutrient availability and ecosystem health.
The range is based on conditions observed in high-quality, little-disturbed temperate grassy Eucalypt woodlands in SE Australia, considered representative of high ecological health and supporting native plant communities and essential soil functions adapted to naturally moderately acidic conditions.
Sources (1)
Prober, S.M., Thiele, K.R., & Lunt, I.D. (2002). Determining reference conditions for management and restoration of temperate grassy woodlands: relationships among trees, topsoils and understorey flora in little-grazed remnants. Australian Journal of Botany, 50(6), 687-697.
View SourceSupporting Sources (2)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Soil acidity | Soil | Farm management - Agriculture Victoria, accessed August 28, 2025
View SourceManaging natural areas | City of Gold Coast, accessed May 19, 2025
View Source