Soil Structure & Compaction

AUS-TMS-AGR-SSC General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

3000 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. The scoring engine uses 2 benchmarks together — the MaximumOnly form drives the primary score, while 1 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

MaximumOnly Primary UpperThreshold Guard

Evidence & Context

A critical upper threshold for compaction, severely limiting root growth, is widely recognized at approximately 3000 kPa.

Metric Definition:

Penetrometer resistance (PR) threshold beyond which root growth is severely impeded

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the critical upper limit of soil compaction in tropical monsoonal savanna agricultural soils, beyond which root growth is severely restricted.

Justification:

This threshold is based on foundational research and widely accepted as the point where mechanical impedance severely limits root elongation and proliferation.

Sources (1)

Preview of Time-dependent changes in distribution patterns of soil bulk density ...
Time-dependent changes in distribution patterns of soil bulk density ...

A stocktake of Australia's current investment in soils research, development and extension - DAFF

View Source

Supporting Sources (12)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of (PDF) Changes in surface soil properties of a no-tilled tropical Alfisol ...
(PDF) Changes in surface soil properties of a no-tilled tropical Alfisol ...
Direct Evidence

(PDF) Changes in surface soil properties of a no-tilled tropical Alfisol ...

View Source
Preview of (PDF) Final report Scoping Study of Soil Management in Livestock Grazing Systems
(PDF) Final report Scoping Study of Soil Management in Livestock Grazing Systems
Contextual Support Journal

Final report - MLA

View Source
Preview of Agricultural soils mitigate CO2 emissions - cifor-icraf
Agricultural soils mitigate CO2 emissions - cifor-icraf
Contextual Support

Agricultural soils mitigate CO2 emissions - cifor-icraf

View Source
Preview of Bibliographies: 'Soil physical properties' - Grafiati
Bibliographies: 'Soil physical properties' - Grafiati
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Bibliographies: 'Soil physical properties' - Grafiati

View Source
Preview of Carbon accounting, land management, science and policy uncertainty in Australian savanna landscapes: introduction and overview - ResearchGate
Carbon accounting, land management, science and policy uncertainty in Australian savanna landscapes: introduction and overview - ResearchGate
Contextual Support Journal

Carbon accounting, land management, science and policy uncertainty in Australian savanna landscapes: introduction and overview - ResearchGate

View Source
Preview of Decomposition of crop residues under conventional and zero tillage - ResearchGate
Decomposition of crop residues under conventional and zero tillage - ResearchGate
Contextual Support Journal

Decomposition of crop residues under conventional and zero tillage - ResearchGate

View Source
Preview of Management of Soil Problems PDF - Scribd
Management of Soil Problems PDF - Scribd
Contextual Support

Management of Soil Problems PDF - Scribd

View Source
Preview of research.usq.edu.au
research.usq.edu.au
Contextual Support

Water Acquisition by Roots From the Subsoil: Impact of Physical Constraints on the Dynamics of Water Capture | Request PDF - ResearchGate

View Source
Preview of SOILWATER CONSULTANTS - Deep Yellow, accessed July 27, 2025,
SOILWATER CONSULTANTS - Deep Yellow, accessed July 27, 2025,
Contextual Support Journal

SECURING AUSTRALIA'S SOIL For profitable industries and healthy landscapes - DAFF

View Source
Preview of Sustainable land management for the Oxisols of the Latin American savannas - CGSpace
Sustainable land management for the Oxisols of the Latin American savannas - CGSpace
Contextual Support

Sustainable land management for the Oxisols of the Latin American savannas - CGSpace

View Source
Preview of Use of deep-rooted tropical pastures to build-up an arable layer through improved soil properties of an Oxisol in the Eastern Plains (Llanos Orientales) of Colombia | Request PDF - ResearchGate
Use of deep-rooted tropical pastures to build-up an arable layer through improved soil properties of an Oxisol in the Eastern Plains (Llanos Orientales) of Colombia | Request PDF - ResearchGate
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Use of deep-rooted tropical pastures to build-up an arable layer through improved soil properties of an Oxisol in the Eastern Plains (Llanos Orientales) of Colombia | Request PDF - ResearchGate

View Source
Preview of www.frontiersin.org, accessed May 16, 2025,
www.frontiersin.org, accessed May 16, 2025,
Direct Evidence Journal

www.frontiersin.org

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Tropical Monsoonal Savannas
  • Land Use Agricultural Crop Production
  • Assessment Not Stated
  • Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 7 Jun 2026

Notes

Values approaching or exceeding this threshold indicate severely degraded soil health with significant negative consequences for crop productivity and soil hydrology. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TMS-AGR-SSC family.

1500 kPa Moderate
Agricultural Crop Production · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Active v1
— kPa Moderate
Agricultural Crop Production · Conservation Target
OptimalRange Active v1