Soil Structure & Compaction

AUS-AIF-LVG-SSC General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

1500 kPa
Direction: Higher 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 8 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 7 guard(s) constrain the result.

Evidence & Context

Synthesizing these points, a soil that is functioning optimally would exhibit a penetration resistance well below the levels where even partial impacts on porosity are observed. Therefore, the optimal range for a high-health, regeneratively managed Vertosol in this biome is proposed to be < 1500 kPa.

Metric Definition:

Optimal penetration resistance for high-health pasture systems.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the upper limit of optimal soil compaction for regeneratively managed Vertosols in arid inland floodplains, indicating minimal mechanical impedance to root growth and soil health.

Justification:

Based on data from analogous high-health pasture systems.

Sources (1)

Preview of Do regenerative grazing management practices improve vegetation and soil health in grazed rangelands? Preliminary insights from a space-for-time study in the Great Barrier Reef catchments, Australia - ResearchGate, accessed July 19, 2025,
Do regenerative grazing management practices improve vegetation and soil health in grazed rangelands? Preliminary insights from a space-for-time study in the Great Barrier Reef catchments, Australia - ResearchGate, accessed July 19, 2025, Journal

Do regenerative grazing management practices improve vegetation and soil health in grazed rangelands? Preliminary insights from a space-for-time study in the Great Barrier Reef catchments, Australia - ResearchGate, accessed July 17, 2025

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Arid Inland Floodplains & Ephemeral River Systems
  • Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
  • Assessment Not Stated
  • Evidence Type HealthyOperationalRange

Lifecycle

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

Notes

Represents minimal mechanical impedance to root growth, water infiltration, and gas exchange. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.

Related Benchmarks

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