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
For these naturally moderately acidic Temperate Dry Woodlands, a sustained soil pH (CaCl₂) significantly and consistently above approximately 6.5 - 7.0 could be considered detrimental to the natural ecosystem balance and native species composition.
Soil pH measured in a 1:5 soil:0.01M CaCl₂ solution indicating the acidity level above which ecosystem integrity and native species composition are compromised.
This benchmark represents the upper detrimental soil pH threshold measured in CaCl₂ solution beyond which nutrient imbalances and shifts in native plant communities occur in Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands under production forestry.
Sustained pH above 6.5-7.0 may lead to ecological imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and altered native species composition, indicating departure from best available natural condition.
Sources (1)
Soil acidity | Soil | Farm management - Agriculture Victoria, accessed August 28, 2025
View SourceSupporting Sources (2)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
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 SourceManaging natural areas | City of Gold Coast, accessed May 19, 2025
View Source