Soil Water Infiltration Rate

AUS-TDG-FOR-SWI General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range
Range: 50 to 250 mm/hr
Optimal Range: 50 to 250
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: OptimalRange

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 12 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 11 guard(s) constrain the result.

Evidence & Context

Therefore, a reference range for SWIR representing "best available condition" under best-practice production forestry in Australian Temperate Dry Woodlands is proposed as 50 - 250 mm/hr.

Metric Definition:

Soil Water Infiltration Rate (SWIR) is defined as the rate at which water enters the soil profile, typically expressed in millimeters per hour (mm/hr).

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the optimal range of soil water infiltration rates under best-practice production forestry in Australian Temperate Dry Woodlands, indicating healthy soil conditions that support water absorption and ecosystem function.

Justification:

The derivation of the proposed reference range for Soil Water Infiltration Rate (SWIR) of 50 - 250 mm/hr for well-managed production forestry in Australian Temperate Dry Woodlands is based on a synthesis of evidence from analogous systems and established soil science principles.

Sources (2)

Preview of Improved forest management - CSIRO, accessed July 12, 2025,
Improved forest management - CSIRO, accessed July 12, 2025, Government

Ecosystem wicks: Woodland trees enhance water infiltration in a fragmented agricultural landscape in eastern Australia, accessed May 15, 2025,

View Source
Preview of www.waikatoregion.govt.nz, accessed May 15, 2025,
www.waikatoregion.govt.nz, accessed May 15, 2025, Journal

www.waikatoregion.govt.nz, accessed May 15, 2025,

View Source

Supporting Sources (1)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Do shrubs reduce the adverse effects of grazing on soil properties? - ResearchGate
Do shrubs reduce the adverse effects of grazing on soil properties? - ResearchGate
Direct Evidence

The effect of three fire regimes on stream water quality, water yield ...

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands
  • Land Use Production Forestry
  • Assessment Pristine Reference
  • Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

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

Notes

No upper detrimental threshold — higher values are always better up to natural saturation. This range acknowledges natural soil variability and reflects sustainable forestry practices maintaining soil structure and organic matter.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TDG-FOR-SWI family.