Soil Structure & Compaction

AUS-TSW-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

Studies in managed forest ecosystems indicate that a penetration resistance of 2,500 kPa is a critical threshold of concern.

Metric Definition:

Penetration resistance threshold indicating substantial soil compaction impacting forest productivity.

Benchmark Definition:

Critical threshold marking the onset of severe soil compaction and degradation in temperate semi-arid shrublands and open woodlands under production forestry.

Justification:

Empirical evidence from long-term studies showing significant compaction effects above this value, though confidence is moderated due to biome proxy source.

Sources (1)

Soil Compaction and Productivity Evolution in a Harvested and Grazed Mediterranean Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Forest Journal

Soil Compaction and Productivity Evolution in a Harvested and Grazed Mediterranean Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Forest

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Supporting Sources (6)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of (PDF) Review of factors affecting disturbance, compaction and trafficability of soils with particular reference to timber harvesting in the forests of south-west Western Australia - ResearchGate, accessed July 30, 2025,

(PDF) Review of factors affecting disturbance, compaction and trafficability of soils with particular reference to timber harvesting in the forests of south-west Western Australia - ResearchGate, accessed July 30, 2025,

Contextual Support

Australia's State of the Forests Report Synthesis 2023

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Healthy Roots and Healthy Trees - 2.926 - CSU Extension - Colorado State University

Irrelevant

Healthy Roots and Healthy Trees - 2.926 - CSU Extension - Colorado State University

View Source

Impacts of Logging-Associated Compaction on Forest Soils: A Meta-Analysis - Frontiers, accessed July 11, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Impacts of Logging-Associated Compaction on Forest Soils: A Meta-Analysis - Frontiers, accessed July 19, 2025

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National Soil Monitoring Program - CSIRO, accessed August 4, 2025,

Contextual Support GreyLiterature

National Soil Monitoring Program - CSIRO, accessed July 8, 2025

View Source

Preview of Soil Compaction and Productivity Evolution in a Harvested and Grazed Mediterranean Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Forest - Universitat Politècnica de Madrid - Portal Científico UPM, accessed July 11, 2025,

Soil Compaction and Productivity Evolution in a Harvested and Grazed Mediterranean Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Forest - Universitat Politècnica de Madrid - Portal Científico UPM, accessed July 11, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

View Source

Tree Root Growth Requirements - Arborcare Tree and Garden ...

Contextual Support Journal

Tree Root Growth Requirements - Arborcare Tree and Garden ...

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Temperate Semi-Arid Shrublands & Open Woodlands
Land Use Production Forestry
Assessment Not Stated
Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 2
Effective From 7 Jun 2026

Notes

This value marks the boundary between constrained and degraded soil states with significant ecological impact. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.

Related Benchmarks

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