Soil Electrical Conductivity (EC)

AUS-TGP-LVG-SEC General Low confidence

Benchmark Value

0.02 dS/m

Direction: Lower is desirable ↓

Form: Point

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.

Contributing Benchmarks

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

Evidence & Context

The measured topsoil value of 0.02 dS/m is exceptionally low and is explicitly interpreted in the source report as "very low," indicating salinity is not an issue.

Metric Definition:

Soil Electrical Conductivity (EC) measured as EC1:5 in a 0-10 cm soil depth laboratory test.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents a direct laboratory measurement of soil electrical conductivity at 0-10 cm depth in temperate grassy woodlands, indicating a very low salinity level that reflects a non-degraded, healthy soil condition under best-practice regenerative management.

Justification:

It is an empirical result from a system demonstrating high ecological function, not a generalized guideline.

Sources (1)

Case Study 2020 Soil Statement - Soils For Life GreyLiterature

Case Study 2020 Soil Statement - Soils For Life

View Source

Supporting Sources (1)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Understanding soil tests for pastures | Soil | Farm management - Agriculture Victoria

Methodology Source Government

Understanding soil tests for pastures | Soil | Farm management - Agriculture Victoria

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Temperate Grassy Woodlands & Plains
Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
Assessment Not Stated
Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 7 Jun 2026

Notes

No upper detrimental threshold — lower EC values are always better for ecological health. The benchmark of 0.02 dS/m is robustly non-saline across all soil textures, making it a valid universal target for a non-degraded state. The primary role of EC is to indicate the absence of salinity, a major land degradation risk. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TGP-LVG-SEC family.