Bare Ground

AUS-TMS-LVG-BAR General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range
Range: 5 to 25 %
Optimal Range: 5 to 25
Direction: Lower 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 11 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 10 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary MinimumOnly Guard Point Guard MaximumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard MinimumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard

Evidence & Context

This range is derived by integrating the "best-on-offer" observed values with established definitions of "good" land condition.

Metric Definition:

Bare Ground (%) optimal range consistent with sustainable production and good land condition

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the optimal range of bare ground percentage that supports ecological health and sustainable grazing in Tropical Monsoonal Savannas under livestock grazing.

Justification:

The range is supported by empirical data from best-practice grazing and definitions of good land condition, balancing ecological health and productivity.

Sources (1)

Preview of era.dpi.qld.gov.au, accessed May 14, 2025,
era.dpi.qld.gov.au, accessed May 14, 2025, Journal

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 Source

Supporting Sources (5)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Do regenerative grazing management practices improve vegetation and soil health in grazed rangelands? Preliminary insights from a space-for-time study in the Great Barrier Reef catchments, Australia - CSIRO Publishing, accessed August 5, 2025,
Do regenerative grazing management practices improve vegetation and soil health in grazed rangelands? Preliminary insights from a space-for-time study in the Great Barrier Reef catchments, Australia - CSIRO Publishing, accessed August 5, 2025,
Contextual Support

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 Source
Preview of Karfs, 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.
Karfs, 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.
Contextual Support Journal

Karfs, 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 Source
Preview of Managing grazing to increase ground cover in rangelands: using remote sensing to detect change - CSIRO Publishing, accessed July 18, 2025,
Managing grazing to increase ground cover in rangelands: using remote sensing to detect change - CSIRO Publishing, accessed July 18, 2025,
Contextual Support Journal

Guppy, 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 Source
Preview of O'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.
O'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.
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

O'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 Source
Preview of Thornton, 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.
Thornton, 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.
Direct Evidence Journal

Thornton, 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

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Tropical Monsoonal Savannas
  • Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
  • Assessment Pristine Reference
  • Evidence Type HealthyOperationalRange

Lifecycle

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

Notes

Maintaining bare ground within 5% to 25% typically represents high ecological health, resilience, and productivity.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TMS-LVG-BAR family.

60 % Moderate
Livestock Grazing & Pasture · Pristine Reference
MinimumOnly Active v1