Soil Structure & Compaction

AUS-TSW-LVG-SSC General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

1000 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

The derived benchmark of less than 1,000 kilopascals (kPa) of penetration resistance is predicated on the critical threshold of 1,500 kPa, above which root growth of key pasture species begins to be significantly restricted.

Metric Definition:

Soil penetration resistance measured by cone penetrometer at or near field capacity, representing soil physical resistance to root growth.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the maximum soil penetration resistance under which soil physical conditions do not impede root growth in temperate semi-arid shrublands and open woodlands under livestock grazing.

Justification:

The benchmark is derived by inference from established physiological thresholds rather than direct measurement of a verified 'best-on-offer' regenerative grazing site in the target biome.

Sources (1)

Managing sandy soils across low-rainfall regions of south-eastern Australia (GRDC Fact Sheet) Journal

Managing sandy soils across low-rainfall regions of south-eastern Australia (GRDC Fact Sheet)

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Supporting Sources (3)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Impact of agricultural land use on distribution of microbial biomass and activity within soil aggregates - ResearchGate

Contextual Support Journal

Plant responses to livestock grazing frequency in an Australian temperate grassland, accessed August 8, 2025,

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Soil Compaction Explained - Soil Quality Knowledge Base, accessed August 2, 2025,

Contextual Support

high soil strength - fact sheet - GRDC

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This may be the author's version of a work that was submitted/accepted for publication in the following source: Michael, RN., - QUT ePrints

Direct Evidence Journal

This may be the author's version of a work that was submitted/accepted for publication in the following source: Michael, RN., - QUT ePrints

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Context

Region Australia
Biome Temperate Semi-Arid Shrublands & Open Woodlands
Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
Assessment Not Stated
Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 7 Jun 2026

Notes

Lower Critical Threshold: Soil function is compromised above 1,500 kPa, where root growth begins to be restricted. No upper detrimental threshold — higher values are always better up to natural saturation. The benchmark represents a state of high ecological function where soil physical resistance does not significantly impede root growth. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TSW-LVG-SSC family.