Soil Structure & Compaction
Benchmark Value
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 upper detrimental threshold is defined by penetration resistance values greater than 3500 kPa, marking the point of near-complete cessation of root growth and ecosystem function collapse.
Penetrometer resistance (PR) measured at or near field capacity, indicating soil mechanical strength that affects root growth.
Upper detrimental threshold where soil compaction causes ecosystem collapse.
Supported by evidence of mechanical failure of root growth and cascading negative biogeochemical and microbial shifts.
Sources (1)
Resistance and resilience of the forest soil microbiome to logging ...
View SourceSupporting Sources (1)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Relationships between cone penetration resistance, bulk density, and moisture content in uncultivated, repacked, and cultivated hardsetting and non-hardsetting soils from the coastal lowlands of south-east Queensland, Australia
View Source