Soil Electrical Conductivity (EC)

AUS-ASP-AGR-SEC General Low confidence

Benchmark Value

1 dS/m

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. The scoring engine uses 3 benchmarks together — the MaximumOnly form drives the primary score, while 2 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

MaximumOnly Primary MaximumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard

Evidence & Context

The proposed benchmark for the 'best available condition' is an ECe of <1.0 dS/m.

Metric Definition:

Soil Electrical Conductivity (EC) measured as the saturated paste extract (ECe) indicating soil salinity and nutrient availability.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the best available non-saline soil condition achievable under sustainable agricultural cropping in arid Australia, aimed at preventing salt accumulation and maintaining soil health.

Justification:

Derived from synthesis of data from national soil monitoring programs in analogous low-rainfall cropping regions, crop tolerance data, and ecological understanding of soil function.

Sources (1)

Synthesis of data from Soilquality.org.au and established salinity thresholds (ANZECC & ARMCANZ, 2000) GreyLiterature

Synthesis of data from Soilquality.org.au and established salinity thresholds (ANZECC & ARMCANZ, 2000)

View Source

Supporting Sources (1)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Salt tolerance of crops - Wikipedia

Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Salt tolerance of crops - Wikipedia

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Arid Shrublands & Stony Plains
Land Use Agricultural Crop Production
Assessment Not Stated
Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 7 Jun 2026

Notes

This benchmark is set to prevent salt accumulation and maintain soil health by avoiding salinity stress. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-ASP-AGR-SEC family.