Soil Structure & Compaction

AUS-AIF-CON-SSC General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

2500 kPa
Direction: Lower is desirable ↓
Form: MaximumOnly

Scoring Curve

This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context.

Evidence & Context

At this level of compaction, root growth is severely restricted for almost all plant species. Roots are unable to penetrate the bulk soil matrix and are forced to follow paths of least resistance, such as old root channels or desiccation cracks.

Metric Definition:

Cone Penetrometer Resistance (kPa), measured when the soil profile is uniformly wet (at or near Field Capacity).

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the severe degradation threshold where soil compaction severely restricts root growth and compromises soil function in Australia's arid inland floodplains.

Justification:

Supported by ecological studies showing severe root growth restriction and reduced soil function at this penetration resistance.

Sources (1)

Preview of Australian Journal of Soil Research - CSIRO Publishing, accessed July 28, 2025,
Australian Journal of Soil Research - CSIRO Publishing, accessed July 28, 2025, Journal

Australian Journal of Soil Research - CSIRO Publishing, accessed July 28, 2025

View Source

Supporting Sources (2)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of (PDF) The hydrology of Vertosols used for cotton production: I. Hydraulic, structural and fundamental soil properties - ResearchGate, accessed July 7, 2025
(PDF) The hydrology of Vertosols used for cotton production: I. Hydraulic, structural and fundamental soil properties - ResearchGate, accessed July 7, 2025
Contextual Support

Soil condition | NSW State of the Environment

View Source
Preview of Compaction properties of vertisols and their potential effect on sunflower - UQ eSpace
Compaction properties of vertisols and their potential effect on sunflower - UQ eSpace
Methodology Source GreyLiterature

Compaction properties of vertisols and their potential effect on sunflower - UQ eSpace

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Arid Inland Floodplains & Ephemeral River Systems
  • Land Use Conservation / Protected Natural Areas
  • Assessment Pristine Reference
  • Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 2
  • Effective From 7 Jun 2026

Notes

Indicates a degraded soil state likely requiring active remediation to restore ecosystem function.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-AIF-CON-SSC family.

1500 kPa Moderate
Conservation / Protected Natural Areas · Pristine Reference
MaximumOnly Active v1
— kPa Moderate
Conservation / Protected Natural Areas · Pristine Reference
OptimalRange Active v1
500 kPa Low
Conservation / Protected Natural Areas · Pristine Reference
MinimumOnly Active v1