Soil pH

AUS-TDG-AGR-SPH General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

7 pH
Thresholds: Lower: —, Upper: 7
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: UpperThreshold

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 10 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 9 guard(s) constrain the result.

Evidence & Context

Caution is advised against raising soil pH(CaCl₂) significantly above 7.0, due to potential nutrient imbalances and negative ecosystem changes.

Metric Definition:

Soil pH measured in 0.01M calcium chloride solution (pH(CaCl₂)) indicating the upper limit beyond which ecological or agricultural harm may occur.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark marks a potential upper detrimental soil pH threshold beyond which nutrient imbalances and ecosystem harm may occur.

Justification:

Based on ecological observations and general soil science principles indicating risks above pH 7.0.

Sources (1)

Preview of SECTION 5 Wheat - Nutrition and fertiliser - GRDC, accessed July 8, 2025
SECTION 5 Wheat - Nutrition and fertiliser - GRDC, accessed July 8, 2025 Journal

Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). (2016). GrowNote Wheat South 05 Nutrition.

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Supporting Sources (1)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of McIntyre, S., Stol, J., Harvey, J., Nicholls, A.O., Campbell, M., Reid, A., Manning, A.D. & Lindenmayer, D. (2010). Biomass and floristic patterns in the ground layer vegetation of box-gum grassy eucalypt woodland in Goorooyarroo and Mulligans Flat Nature Reserves, Australian Capital Territory. Cunninghamia 11(3): 319–357.
McIntyre, S., Stol, J., Harvey, J., Nicholls, A.O., Campbell, M., Reid, A., Manning, A.D. & Lindenmayer, D. (2010). Biomass and floristic patterns in the ground layer vegetation of box-gum grassy eucalypt woodland in Goorooyarroo and Mulligans Flat Nature Reserves, Australian Capital Territory. Cunninghamia 11(3): 319–357.
Contextual Support Journal

McIntyre, S., Stol, J., Harvey, J., Nicholls, A.O., Campbell, M., Reid, A., Manning, A.D. & Lindenmayer, D. (2010). Biomass and floristic patterns in the ground layer vegetation of box-gum grassy eucalypt woodland in Goorooyarroo and Mulligans Flat Nature Reserves, Australian Capital Territory. Cunninghamia 11(3): 319–357.

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands
  • Land Use Agricultural Crop Production
  • Assessment Pristine Reference
  • Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 25 Mar 2026

Notes

No definitive upper threshold established; caution recommended.