Soil Moisture

AUS-TDG-LVG-SMO General Low confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range
Range: 18 to 35 % VWC
Optimal Range: 18 to 35
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.

Evidence & Context

The optimal soil moisture range for topsoil moisture during active growing seasons is approximately 18% to 35% VWC for a representative loam soil.

Metric Definition:

Soil moisture volumetric water content (VWC) range supporting high ecological function and sustainable grazing.

Benchmark Definition:

Optimal soil moisture range supporting vigorous native perennial growth and soil biological processes.

Justification:

This range is derived from typical PWP and FC values for loam soils and ecological function considerations.

Sources (2)

Preview of Do regenerative grazing management practices ... - CSIRO Publishing, accessed May 12, 2025
Do regenerative grazing management practices ... - CSIRO Publishing, accessed May 12, 2025 Journal

Investigating Intensive Grazing Systems in Northern Australia

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Preview of Soil Quality Indicators - Natural Resources Conservation Service, accessed July 7, 2025,
Soil Quality Indicators - Natural Resources Conservation Service, accessed July 7, 2025, Journal

Mixed Effects of Soil Compaction on the Nitrogen Cycle Under Pea and Wheat - PMC

View Source

Supporting Sources (4)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Global critical soil moisture thresholds of plant water stress - ResearchGate, accessed August 28, 2025
Global critical soil moisture thresholds of plant water stress - ResearchGate, accessed August 28, 2025
Direct Evidence GreyLiterature

Soil moisture as an indicator of growing-season herbaceous fuel moisture and curing rate in grasslands - ResearchGate

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Preview of Pasture yield and soil physical property responses to soil compaction from treading and grazing — a review - ANU Open Research
Pasture yield and soil physical property responses to soil compaction from treading and grazing — a review - ANU Open Research
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Pasture yield and soil physical property responses to soil compaction from treading and grazing  a review - ANU Open Research

View Source
Preview of Soil | Australia state of the environment 2021
Soil | Australia state of the environment 2021
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Soil | Australia state of the environment 2021

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Preview of What is pugging? | Pasture recovery after pugging damage | Managing wet soils | Dairy | Livestock and animals | Agriculture Victoria
What is pugging? | Pasture recovery after pugging damage | Managing wet soils | Dairy | Livestock and animals | Agriculture Victoria
Contextual Support Government

What is pugging? | Pasture recovery after pugging damage | Managing wet soils | Dairy | Livestock and animals | Agriculture Victoria

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands
  • Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
  • Assessment Pristine Reference
  • Evidence Type HealthyOperationalRange

Lifecycle

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

Notes

This range is dynamic and reflects a balance between sufficient moisture for growth and avoiding soil degradation risks.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TDG-LVG-SMO family.

27 % VWC Low
Livestock Grazing & Pasture · Pristine Reference
MaximumOnly Active v1