Soil Moisture

AUS-TDG-AGR-SMO General Low confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range
Range: 15 to 30 % VWC
Optimal Range: 15 to 30
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 agricultural systems aiming for high ecological health in Australian Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands is estimated to be approximately 0.15 to 0.30 m³/m³ (15% to 30% VWC).

Metric Definition:

Optimal soil moisture range

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the optimal soil moisture range (15% to 30% volumetric water content) that supports healthy plant growth and soil biological activity in agricultural systems of Australian Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands.

Justification:

Between PWP/θcrit and Field Capacity (FC), allowing for aeration.

Sources (1)

Preview of Soil Moisture: Methods Of Measuring & Tools For Monitoring
Soil Moisture: Methods Of Measuring & Tools For Monitoring Journal

Soil Moisture: Methods Of Measuring & Tools For Monitoring

View Source

Supporting Sources (3)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Final report - MLA, accessed July 19, 2025,
Final report - MLA, accessed July 19, 2025,
Direct Evidence

Queensland Government guidelines for grazing lands

View Source
Preview of Regenerative Agriculture Metrics: Soil chapter, accessed May 12, 2025
Regenerative Agriculture Metrics: Soil chapter, accessed May 12, 2025
Contextual Support Journal

INNOVATIONS FOR REGENERATIVE LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT - Soils For Life

View Source
Preview of Waterlogging effects on soils and wheat crops in the high rainfall zone of Victoria - Agronomy Australia Proceedings
Waterlogging effects on soils and wheat crops in the high rainfall zone of Victoria - Agronomy Australia Proceedings
Contextual Support Journal

Waterlogging effects on soils and wheat crops in the high rainfall zone of Victoria - Agronomy Australia Proceedings

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands
  • Land Use Agricultural Crop Production
  • Assessment Agricultural Biodiversity Target
  • Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

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

Notes

Regenerative practices enhance Plant Available Water (PAW) within this range.