Soil Electrical Conductivity (EC)

AUS-TGP-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

Therefore, the upper detrimental threshold from an ecological standpoint is reached when ECₑ > 2.0 dS/m.

Metric Definition:

Soil Electrical Conductivity (EC) measured as ECₑ, the electrical conductivity of the saturated paste extract, indicating salinity stress level.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark marks the upper detrimental threshold for soil electrical conductivity beyond which salinity stress negatively impacts sensitive plants and soil microbial functions in agricultural cropping systems.

Justification:

Based on ecological data showing negative impacts on microbial processes and sensitive species above this ECₑ level.

Sources (1)

Preview of Understanding soil tests for pastures | Soil | Farm management ..., accessed May 12, 2025
Understanding soil tests for pastures | Soil | Farm management ..., accessed May 12, 2025 Government

Agriculture Victoria. (2025). Understanding soil tests for pastures. Farm Management.

View Source

Supporting Sources (1)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Soil electrical conductivity (EC) is a measure of the amount ... - USDA
Soil electrical conductivity (EC) is a measure of the amount ... - USDA
Direct Evidence Journal

Regenerative Agriculture - NSW Department of Primary Industries

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Temperate Grassy Woodlands & Plains
  • Land Use Agricultural Crop Production
  • Assessment Not Stated
  • Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

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

Notes

Marks the transition from positive fertility indicator to negative salinity stress. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.