Soil Electrical Conductivity (EC)

AUS-TGP-LVG-SEC General High confidence

Benchmark Value

1.8 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 12 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 11 guard(s) constrain the result.

Evidence & Context

Agriculture Victoria states that salinity levels are satisfactory for all pasture species when the ECe​ is below 1 dS/m, and defines a "Very low" salinity rating as being <1.8 dS/m, a range in which all pastures and clovers thrive.

Metric Definition:

Saturated Paste Extract Electrical Conductivity (ECe) threshold indicating the upper detrimental limit for soil salinity impacting pasture species.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the upper detrimental threshold for soil salinity in temperate grassy woodlands, above which sensitive pasture species such as clovers begin to be negatively impacted.

Justification:

Based on extensive research and government advisory bodies' clear thresholds.

Sources (1)

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

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

View Source

Supporting Sources (1)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Case Study 2020 Soil Statement - Soils For Life
Case Study 2020 Soil Statement - Soils For Life
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Case Study 2020 Soil Statement - Soils For Life

View Source

Context

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

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 7 Jun 2026

Notes

This threshold represents the onset of salinity impacts on sensitive pasture species like clovers. Values exceeding this represent a compromised state. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.

Related Benchmarks

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