Basal Area
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 12 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 11 guard(s) constrain the result.
Evidence & Context
A sustained Basal Area below approximately 4-5 m²/ha (for stems >20cm DBH) is likely to indicate compromised ecological health, diminished resilience, and impaired habitat functions.
Basal Area (BA) quantifies the cross-sectional area of tree stems at breast height per unit of ground area.
This benchmark defines a lower critical threshold basal area of 4 m²/ha below which the ecological health and sustainability of production forestry in Australian Tropical Monsoonal Savannas is significantly compromised.
Based on the lower observed range in natural systems and implications for habitat and resilience.
Sources (1)
Karan, M. et al. (2016) The Australian SuperSite Network...
View SourceSupporting Sources (4)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Fire exclusion and the changing landscape of Queensland's Wet Tropics Bioregion 1. The extent and pattern of transition - ResearchGate
View SourceHutley, L. B., et al. (2011) Patterns and processes of carbon, water and energy cycles...
View SourceIronwood Erythrophleum chlorostachys in the Northern Territory ...
View Sourcealuminium-stewardship.org
View Source