Soil Structure & Compaction

AUS-AIF-FOR-SSC General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

1500 kPa
Direction: Lower is desirable ↓
Form: MinimumOnly

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 4 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 3 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary MaximumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard MinimumOnly Guard

Evidence & Context

The value of 1,500 kPa (1.5 MPa) is the most critical management threshold. It marks the boundary between a healthy, functioning soil and a degraded state.

Metric Definition:

Penetrometer resistance threshold above which root growth begins to be restricted, indicating soil degradation.

Benchmark Definition:

Critical threshold for onset of soil compaction damage affecting root growth in arid inland floodplains production forestry.

Justification:

Widely cited in soil science literature and GRDC diagnostic criteria as the point where root growth restriction begins.

Sources (1)

Preview of SOIL CARBON EDITION - North Central Catchment Management Authority, accessed July 28, 2025,
SOIL CARBON EDITION - North Central Catchment Management Authority, accessed July 28, 2025, Government

Soil Compaction - Tas | Fact Sheets | soilquality.org.au, accessed July 24, 2025

View Source

Supporting Sources (1)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of high soil strength - fact sheet
high soil strength - fact sheet
Direct Evidence

GRDC National Paddock Survey. Fact Sheet: High soil strength - Diagnosing soil constraints.

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Arid Inland Floodplains & Ephemeral River Systems
  • Land Use Production Forestry
  • Assessment Conservation Target
  • Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

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

Notes

This threshold should trigger management review and potential remediation.

Related Benchmarks

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

3500 kPa Moderate
Production Forestry · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Active v2
2500 kPa Moderate
Production Forestry · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Active v1