Soil Electrical Conductivity (EC)

AUS-ASP-AGR-SEC General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

2 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 2 benchmarks together — the MaximumOnly form drives the primary score, while 1 guard(s) constrain the result.

Evidence & Context

An upper detrimental threshold of >2.0 dS/m signifies the onset of salinity stress, which impairs microbial function, plant water uptake, and soil structure.

Metric Definition:

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

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark marks the upper detrimental threshold above which salinity stress degrades ecosystem function in arid agricultural soils.

Justification:

Widely accepted scientific threshold marking transition to saline conditions harmful to crops and soil microbes.

Sources (1)

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

Preview of Salt tolerance of crops - Wikipedia
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 DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 2
  • Effective From 7 Jun 2026

Notes

Exceeding this threshold leads to physiological drought, microbial suppression, and soil structural decline. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.