Soil Structure & Compaction

AUS-AIF-FOR-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

A clear threshold for severe degradation is widely cited in soil science literature at 2,500 kPa (2.5 MPa). At this level of compaction, soil is considered "Very dense," and root growth is severely restricted.

Metric Definition:

Penetrometer resistance threshold indicating severe soil compaction with significant loss of ecological function.

Benchmark Definition:

Severe degradation threshold in arid inland floodplains production forestry where root growth is severely restricted.

Justification:

Supported by soil science literature and GRDC criteria as a significant loss of soil function.

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.

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

Represents significant loss of ecosystem function, productivity, and hydrological capacity.

Related Benchmarks

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