Bare Ground
Benchmark Value
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 11 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 10 guard(s) constrain the result.
Evidence & Context
Multiple sources converge on the understanding that when bare ground exceeds approximately 60% (or conversely, when total ground cover falls below 40%), savanna ecosystems enter a state of significantly increased vulnerability to degradation.
Bare Ground (%) as a critical threshold for accelerated erosion and impaired hydrological function
This benchmark represents the lower critical threshold of bare ground percentage beyond which ecosystem health in Tropical Monsoonal Savannas under livestock grazing is significantly compromised, leading to increased degradation risks.
This threshold is widely recognized in Australian rangeland science and management guidelines as a critical tipping point beyond which degradation accelerates.
Sources (1)
MacLeod, N.D., Whish, G., Nelson, P.N., et al. (2023). Regenerative grazing in the rangelands of northern Australia: A space-for-time assessment of vegetation and soil condition. Rangeland Journal, 45(1), 27-42.
View SourceSupporting Sources (5)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Ludwig, J.A., Bastin, G.N., Chewings, V.H., Eager, R.W., and Liedloff, A.C. (2005). Clearing savannas for use as rangelands in Queensland: Altered landscapes and water-erosion processes. Rangeland Journal, 27(2), 135-149.
View SourceKarfs, R.A., Abbot, B.N., O'Reagain, P.J., et al. (2009). Land condition monitoring information for Reef catchments: A new era. The Rangeland Journal, 31(1), 91-104.
View SourceGuppy, C.N., Waters, C.M., Hacker, R.B., et al. (2024). Managing grazing to increase ground cover in rangelands: using dynamic regional comparison to document property-scale change. Rangeland Journal.
View SourceO'Reagain, P.J., and Ash, A.J. (2002). Principles of sustainable grazing management for the northern savannas. In: Proceedings of the 12th Australian Rangeland Conference, Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Australian Rangeland Society. pp. 242-247.
View SourceThornton, C.M. and Elledge, N.C. (2018). Paddock scale water quality monitoring in the Brigalow Catchment Study (P2R2) – Final Report for project R M001 (P2R201A). Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Brisbane.
View Source